Former Allentown Vice Cop Charged With Theft of Stash of Ceiling Cash From Drug Raid, Lehigh County District Attorney Says

— Jeff Ward, Lehigh Valley News Briefs

A former Allentown police vice-squad officer allegedly took $5,500 that was found during a drug raid in the city, according to the Lehigh County District Attorney’s office.

The case involves the seizure of property, which can be a tricky issue.

Let’s get straight to the facts as presented by the DA, and remember, everybody is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty. The suspect here is 47 and according to the statement, no longer an Allentown officer.

Nov. 15, 2024

District Attorney Gavin P. Holihan announced theft and related charges have been filed against a former Allentown Police Vice officer.

Jason Michael Krasley, DOB 2/11/1977, of Upper Milford Township, is charged with Theft by Unlawful Taking or Disposition and Receiving Stolen Property – over $2,000, both felonies of the third degree; and Tampering with or Fabricating Physical Evidence, a misdemeanor of the second degree.

Krasley surrendered today (Nov. 15) and was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Rashid Santiago and released on $100,000 unsecured bail. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Dec. 5.

An investigation revealed Krasley stole $5,500 in cash while acting in his duties as an Allentown Police Vice Officer and concealed the theft of that cash. This occurred on May 16, 2019 in the 1300 block of Chew Street in Allentown.

A search warrant was served on May 16, 2019 at the Washington Barbershop located at 1129 Hamilton St.

The items being searched for and seized included cocaine, paraphernalia, U.S. Currency as well as other evidence related to illegal drug-trafficking activities. Several Allentown Police officers were present at the search, including Krasley.

Based in part on evidence seized from the barber shop, the owner of the shop pleaded guilty to drug dealing and did not contest the Commonwealth’s Petition seeking forfeiture of $18,664 in cash pursuant to the Controlled Substance Forfeiture Act.

As part of the investigation, a photo was taken of an inventory receipt dated May 16, 2019 that identifies $16,000 in cash as having been found in the basement ceiling of the shop. The investigation later determined that a second inventory receipt was completed at the Allentown Police Vice Office indicating that $10,500 in cash was found in the basement ceiling.

The money recovered from the search warrant was recounted later that day at the Vice Unit Office and $5,500 was found to be missing. An investigation into the missing money has determined that Krasley stole the money.

This case was investigated by Lehigh County’s 12th Investigating Grand Jury as well as Lehigh County Detectives Gregg Dietz and Lt. James Bruchak. The Grand Jury heard testimony presented by First Assistant District Attorney Eric K. Dowdle.

The Presentment was approved by The Honorable Thomas M. Caffrey, Supervising Judge of the Investigating Grand Jury.

The case will be prosecuted by First Assistant District Attorney Eric K. Dowdle.