Pubdate: Sat, 06 Jan 2001
Source: Tribune, The (PA)
Copyright: 2001 The ScrantonTimes/Shamrock Communications
Contact:  149 Penn Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503
Website: http://www.nepanews.com/
Author: Michael Sadowski / Regional Staff Writer

OFFICIAL FEARS IMPACT OF DRUG ARREST ON CRIME WATCH

It's been three years since a group of people in Carbondale started the 
first crime watch group in the city.

Since then, their hard work has been evidenced all over the city. The 
groups, which operate in all four sections of the city, have built 
reputations as effective crime-fighting associations that care about the 
well being of the city and its residents. But in one swift and embarrassing 
action, a woman none of the members ever has met nearly destroyed it.

"It's sad. I was watching it on the news and my eyes almost filled with 
water," Carbondale North Side Neighborhood Association and Crime Watch 
President Joseph Carachilo said. "I didn't want to believe what I was 
watching."

What he was watching was a blow to the credibility of crime watch groups 
throughout the area.

On Thursday, police arrested West Scranton Crime Watch President Freda 
Joseph and charged her with possessing and selling heroin.

Now, Mr. Carachilo, one of the founding members of the Carbondale 
Neighborhood Association and Crime Watch, said he is somewhat worried 
people may have an ill perception of the Carbondale groups.

"I'm hoping it's an isolated thing," he said. "I'm praying it's an isolated 
thing and I hope people are able to understand that."

If they can't, it may mean the crime watch groups will need to rebuild 
their reputations.

"Personally, I feel violated," Mr. Carachilo said. "I know people are only 
human, and right now, it's only an alleged crime. But a lot of people have 
put a lot of work into this organization, and even the mention of something 
like this hurts."

Carbondale City Manager Fred Moase said there is no evidence to make anyone 
think the West Scranton incident is anything more than an anomaly.

"It's an isolated incident, and no one should look down on any of the crime 
watch groups in the city or anywhere in the county," he said. "Our groups 
here are a great help to the city, and we've accomplished a lot because of 
their help."

What makes the problem worse is that it comes at a pivotal time when the 
Upvalley group has been thriving. All four groups have received kudos from 
local and state representatives who have visited their meetings.

In September, representatives from the Lackawanna County District 
Attorney's office called the organization one of the best in the area. Tom 
Hyson, deputy director of the state Weed and Seed program, called it one of 
the best he has seen.

Despite what occurred in Scranton, Mr. Carachilo said his group has no 
plans to monitor anyone in his group for drug activity or for any other 
illegal acts.

"There is no reason to," he said. "I have no reason whatsoever to question 
the integrity of anyone in our group. And I don't believe I ever will."
- ---
MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens