2 join Butler DA's office
The Butler County District Attorney's Office has undergone staff changes recently, with an interim assistant district attorney becoming permanent and a new county detective replacing a retiree.
Assistant District Attorney Laura Pitchford became a permanent addition to the staff two weeks ago.
Pitchford, 26, of Ross Township in Allegheny County said she is happy with the change in status.
“This is my dream job,” she said.
Pitchford said prosecution isn't solely about seeking punishment for violators — it's also about helping resolve issues that cause people to commit crimes.
She cited the county's specialty courts used to divert people from prison.
“I get a chance to help people,” Pitchford said. “Our county has a terrible heroin epidemic.”
District Attorney Richard Goldinger praised her efforts.
“She worked out great,” he said.
Goldinger added that Pitchford's work has been exemplary.
“She earned the job,” he said.
Goldinger knew what he was getting when offering the interim post to Pitchford last year.
She is a former intern for his office, spending four consecutive summers there while she was in college and law school.
“I kept coming back,” Pitchford said.
She eventually attained the status of a certified legal intern, which means she can prosecute cases under the supervision of an assistant district attorney.
“I actually tried a case, which was wonderful,” Pitchford said.In that case, the defendant was accused of stealing money left on gift cards placed inside a shoe box at a wedding reception.Pitchford had a successful debut as a prosecutor.“She got a guilty verdict,” Goldinger said.Pitchford handled cases this past year while former Assistant District Attorney Christine Studeny was on an extended medical leave.District Attorney Richard Goldinger said Studeny resigned after being unable to work the last two years.After being on paid leave for a year, she spent a second year on unpaid leave.“Certainly, we will miss her,” Goldinger said.He said Studeny was a good attorney. Pitchford, who worked with her while an intern, agreed.“I learned a lot from her,” Pitchford said.Another change occurred in Goldinger's office in January when Dave Aldridge, a retired state police trooper, replaced Chuck Barger as a county detective.Aldridge, 50, of Center Township is the office's domestic violence coordinator.Along with assistant district attorneys, he works with law enforcement and the Victim Outreach Intervention Center to aid those have been hurt by domestic violence.“It's a team effort,” Aldridge said.He said technology has provided new avenues for problems such as social media harassment.Aldridge said those under Protection from Abuse orders are prohibited from directly or indirectly contacting their victims through social media.“That evidence could be brought,” he said about social media comments. “It's a digital footprint.”Aldridge said his work is fulfilling.“That's always been a part of me — helping victims,” he said.Aldridge said domestic violence victims often need a boost to have the confidence to come forward.“There are a lot of times victims are afraid to speak up,” he said.During Aldridge's time with state police, he did criminal investigative work, was a member of an auto theft task force and was on highway patrol.“He has just a wealth of experience,” Goldinger said.
