December 14, 2016
A city councilman in Delaware County was arrested Wednesday for various felony theft charges and for allegedly conducting illegal wiretaps, prosecutors said.
The Delaware County District Attorney's Office announced that longtime Upland Borough Councilman Edward Mitchell was in custody.
Prosecutors said Mitchell participated in a scheme by "receiving kickbacks on covert recording devices, cameras and security systems that were installed at highly inflated costs throughout Upland Borough municipal buildings."
Mitchell, a Republican, has served as a councilman for 17 years, according to the Chester Spirit. He spent eight years as president before being replaced by Christine Peterson earlier this year.
The Pennsylvania State Assosciation of Boroughs honored Mitchell with its 2016 S.C. Scales Award for “outstanding public service."
Mitchell also briefly served as an assistant city planner in Chester under former Mayor John Linder.
Calls to Mitchell's cell phone and home were not immediately returned.
Thomas Willard, the owner of the security company involved in the scheme, Eddystone-based Logan Technology Solutions, was also in custody on charges related to the alleged conspiracy.
Delaware County District Attorney Jack Whelan is expected to hold a press conference at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday to release more information. Both defendants are scheduled to be arraigned afterward.
This is a developing story. Check bak here for more details.
