Attorney General Dave Sunday and the Pennsylvania State Police have announced criminal charges against Pennsylvania State Trooper Christopher S. Young, who is accused of attempting to influence a witness in an ongoing police investigation.
Young, 34, was charged on Tuesday with felony intimidation of a witness, as well as misdemeanor counts of stalking and loitering or prowling at night. Following his arraignment, Magisterial District Judge Andrew Serina denied him bail, citing concerns for his safety and the safety of others. The Pennsylvania State Police confirmed that Young has been suspended without pay pending the outcome of the case.
According to an investigation conducted jointly by the Office of Attorney General and the Pennsylvania State Police, Young repeatedly contacted a potential witness in a child abuse investigation via phone calls and text messages over the past several weeks. On the night of February 24, Young was allegedly found armed with a gun and knife in a wooded area behind the witness’s residence in Schuylkill County.
“These charges outline disturbing and deliberate attempts to influence witness cooperation in a very serious police matter,” Attorney General Sunday stated. “As a sworn officer with an oath to protect the community, the defendant’s alleged behavior will not be tolerated.”
Authorities have confirmed that the child abuse investigation remains active. Young, who joined the Pennsylvania State Police in 2017, was most recently assigned to the Patrol Unit in Troop L, Hamburg.
The case is being prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Lauren Eichelberger. Officials emphasize that all criminal charges are allegations, and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Young will appear before Judge Serina on April 15th, 2025, for a preliminary hearing.