What’s New With PDAP

December 16, 2024 – PDAP recently wrapped up its 2024 programming for the Forensic Academy, an annual CLE series providing in-depth training on criminal defense forensics. Open to all Public Defenders – attorneys, SWIM staff, and other core support staff – the Forensic Academy gives PDs the tools they need to defend and utilize forensic evidence in their cases. Throughout this year, participants got to hear and learn from field experts in areas such as toxicology and drug analysis, ballistics, digital forensics, and arson investigation.

When this year’s Forensic Academy training schedule was announced, we mentioned that any participant who attended eight out of the ten sessions in 2024 would receive a forensic evidence training certificate. As the year comes to a close, we’re happy to announce that an astounding 29 people have completed this requirement and earned their certificate.

Congratulations to our 2024 recipients:

• Alexis Climes, Investigator, Allegheny County Public Defender
• Alyssa Biederman, Investigator, Delaware County Public Defender
• Amanda Singer, Investigator, Allegheny County Public Defender
• Carol Weinman, Private Attorney, Montgomery County
• Christopher Klingman, Assistant Public Defender, Venango County Public Defender
• Danielle Coleman, Private Attorney, Montgomery County
• Darren Hahn, Investigator, Franklin County Public Defender
• David Crowley, Chief Public Defender, Centre County Public Defender
• Edward Greco, Chief Public Defender, Northumberland County Public Defender
• Gary Kern, Assistant Public Defender, Crawford County Public Defender
• Jack Mullins, Investigator, Allegheny County Public Defender
• Joseph Smith, Assistant Public Defender, Butler County Public Defender
• JP Vensel, Assistant Public Defender, Washington County Public Defender
• Kay Hughes, Investigator, Allegheny County Public Defender
• Kenneth Hone, Public Defender, Bucks County Public Defender
• Marie Lester, Assistant Public Defender, Washington County Public Defender
• Martin Aronson, Investigator, Allegheny County Public Defender
• Melissa Gorman, Investigator, Allegheny County Public Defender
• Natalie Carbajal, Assistant Public Defender, Chester County Public Defender
• Philip Clabaugh, Chief Public Defender, McKean County Public Defender
• Rachel Roney, Assistant Public Defender, Washington County Public Defender
• Robert Keys, Investigator, Allegheny County Public Defender
• Ryan Truax, Assistant Public Defender, Allegheny County Public Defender
• Samantha Etzi, Mitigation Specialist, Allegheny County Public Defender
• Sarah McGuire, Assistant Public Defender, Allegheny County Public Defender
• Sharon Shockley, Investigator, Chester County Public Defender
• Shelly Walters, Administrative Assistant, Venango County Public Defender
• Stephanie Moyer, Assistant Public Defender, Bucks County Public Defender
• Victoria Hermann, Assistant Public Defender, Forest County Public Defender

We thank these participants, as well as everyone who attended or presented at a Forensic Academy training, for their dedication and commitment to the advancement of forensic science knowledge in the criminal legal field. PA Public Defenders interested in future trainings can keep up with PDAP’s 2025 programs by subscribing to one of our listservs, following us on social media, or regularly checking our website.