Another murder in Butler County. There have been four recorded murders this year alone.

I used the Pennsylvania Judicial website (a free to the public portal) and researched both the criminals being held in the murder and cover-up of Melissa Barto. To no surprise, the two men, Ishemer Ramsey and James Howard-George were both there.

Ramsey’s record includes several driving offenses (speeding, stop signs, careless driving and criminal mischief) and one count each of resisting arrest and fleeing police, which were both withdrawn.

James Howard-George is no stranger to the legal system in Butler County. He has been arrested 12 times since 2012 (at which time he was 18 years of age, and we have no idea what his juvenile record contains). His crimes include retail theft, simple assault, theft by unlawful taking, harassment, disorderly conduct, firearm violations, endangering the welfare of children. concealing the death of a child, corruption of minors and multiple drug charges. These are the counts that he was convicted of or are pending because they are so recent. I did not include the many charges that were dismissed and/or plea bargained away.

We can organize, meet and post all the “not in my backyard” signs available. That makes everyone feel like we are trying to fight crime in our little town of Butler. Our police and drug task force members are putting their lives on the line, and we fly our banners saying we support our men and women in blue. All of these things sound and look good on paper, but they are in vain unless there is support from the top at keeping these criminals off the streets.

Major crime in Butler seems to be happening almost weekly. It has always been said that if you want commit a crime, do it in Butler County — nothing happens to you. After reviewing Howard-George’s record, that saying appears to be true.

Judges of Butler County: Where is the problem? If your hands are tied because of legislation and you are doing the very best job possible with current laws, then Harrisburg is our next stop. we need answers and direction from you.