PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – A Pennsylvania State Police trooper has been charged with witness intimidation after allegedly attempting to prevent cooperation in a child abuse investigation, authorities announced Tuesday.
Christopher S. Young, 34, faces felony charges of intimidation of a witness, along with misdemeanor counts of stalking and loitering or prowling at night. A district judge denied him bail, citing concerns for his safety and that of others.
Investigators allege Young repeatedly called and texted a potential witness in recent weeks. On Feb. 24, he was found armed with a gun and knife in a wooded area behind the witness’s home in Schuylkill County.
“These charges outline disturbing and deliberate attempts to influence witness cooperation in a very serious police matter,” Attorney General Dave Sunday said.
“As a sworn officer with an oath to protect the community, the defendant’s alleged behavior will not be tolerated.”
Young, who enlisted in 2017, was assigned to the Patrol Unit in Troop L, Hamburg. He has been suspended without pay, according to Pennsylvania State Police.
The child abuse investigation remains ongoing.
