Key Points
- Pennsylvania State Police in Avondale filed criminal charges against Anthony P. Falgiatore, a former Octorara Area School Board member, for allegedly illegally recording a closed executive session in April 2023.
- The session occurred at Octorara Area Middle School, 228 Highland Road, West Fallowfield Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania.
- Recording captured at least 10 individuals, including school board members and the superintendent, discussing confidential school business without their consent or knowledge.
- Violation alleged under Pennsylvania’s Crimes Code as a wiretap offence.
- Investigation began in March 2025 after the matter was brought to police attention; involved multiple interviews over several months.
- Charges approved by Chester County District Attorney’s Office.
- Falgiatore arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Jennifer Heffern in District Court 15-3-07.
- Bail set at $10,000 unsecured.
- Preliminary hearing tentatively scheduled for 9:00 a.m.
- All charges are allegations; defendant presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
West Fallowfield Township (Manchester Mirror) January 26, 2026 – Pennsylvania State Police in Avondale have launched criminal charges against Anthony P. Falgiatore, a former member of the Octorara Area School Board, over an alleged secret recording of a closed executive session nearly two years ago. The investigation focuses on an April 2023 meeting at Octorara Area Middle School in West Fallowfield Township, where authorities claim the audio was captured without participants’ consent, breaching Pennsylvania’s Crimes Code. Falgiatore, who was an active board member at the time, now faces wiretap-related offences following approval from the Chester County District Attorney’s Office.
Who Is Anthony P. Falgiatore and What Role Did He Play?
Anthony P. Falgiatore served as an active member of the Octorara Area School Board during the incident. According to state police reports, troopers identified him as the individual responsible for the recording. As reported by the original investigators cited in police statements, the executive session involved sensitive school board business with at least 10 participants, including fellow board members and the superintendent.
The allegation centres on Falgiatore secretly capturing the discussion without consent, constituting a wiretap violation under state law. Police noted that the matter surfaced in March 2025, leading to an extensive probe with multiple interviews. No further details on Falgiatore’s current status or response have been publicly released by authorities.
What Happened During the April 2023 Executive Session?
The session took place at Octorara Area Middle School, located at 228 Highland Road in West Fallowfield Township, Chester County. State police allege it was a confidential executive session dedicated to school board business. The recording purportedly included discussions among at least 10 individuals present, unaware of the audio capture.
Investigators emphasise that the act violated Pennsylvania’s Crimes Code provisions on wiretaps. As per the police summary, the closed nature of the meeting heightened the breach, as participants expected privacy. No specifics on the business discussed—such as personnel matters, budgets, or legal issues—were disclosed in charging documents to protect confidentiality.
Why Did Police Launch the Investigation in 2025?
The case came to the attention of Pennsylvania State Police in Avondale in March 2025, nearly two years after the April 2023 session. Troopers conducted a thorough investigation, including multiple interviews over several months, to establish facts. As stated in official releases, this timeline allowed for evidence gathering before formal charges.
Approval for charges was granted by the Chester County District Attorney’s Office, underscoring the seriousness of the alleged wiretap violation. Police have not revealed how the recording was discovered—whether through a leak, complaint, or internal audit—but confirmed it prompted swift action. The delay reflects standard investigative protocols for such cases.
What Charges Does Falgiatore Face?
Falgiatore faces wiretap-related offences under Pennsylvania’s Crimes Code. Authorities specifically cite violations stemming from the unauthorised recording of the executive session. As detailed in the police announcement, these charges arose directly from evidence of the secret audio capture without consent.
The Chester County District Attorney’s Office reviewed and endorsed the filing, ensuring legal compliance. Full charge sheets were not publicly itemised beyond the wiretap classification, but they align with state statutes prohibiting interception of oral communications in private settings.
How Was Falgiatore Arraigned and What Are the Next Steps?
Falgiatore appeared for arraignment before Magisterial District Judge Jennifer Heffern in District Court 15-3-07. Bail was set at $10,000 unsecured, allowing release pending further proceedings. A preliminary hearing is tentatively scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on February 9, 2026.
District court records confirm the unsecured nature of the bail, meaning no cash deposit was required upfront. Judge Heffern oversees this magisterial district covering parts of Chester County. The preliminary hearing will determine if sufficient evidence exists to advance the case to county court.
What Legal Protections Apply to Falgiatore?
All criminal charges remain allegations at this stage. As emphasised in official statements, the defendant, Anthony P. Falgiatore, is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This standard safeguards due process under Pennsylvania and U.S. law.
No trial date has been set, and Falgiatore has the right to legal representation, discovery, and a defence presentation. Police and prosecutors must prove intent and violation beyond reasonable doubt. Community reactions, if any, have not been reported.
What Is the Broader Context of Wiretap Laws in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania’s Crimes Code strictly regulates wiretaps and interceptions of oral communications, especially in private or closed settings like executive sessions. These laws protect privacy during confidential deliberations, such as those in school boards handling sensitive matters. As per state statutes referenced in the case, consent from all parties is typically required.
School boards nationwide operate under open meeting laws with exceptions for executive sessions on topics like personnel or litigation. Breaches can lead to criminal liability, civil suits, or removal from office. This incident highlights tensions between transparency and privacy in public education governance.
How Has the Octorara Area School District Responded?
No official statement from the Octorara Area School District or current board members has been issued in available reports. The superintendent and other participants were part of the recorded session but have not commented publicly. District policies likely prohibit such recordings, aligning with state law.
The middle school at 228 Highland Road continues normal operations. Parents and stakeholders may seek updates via district channels, but legal proceedings take precedence. Past board minutes, if public, could provide context on Falgiatore’s tenure.
What Happens After the Preliminary Hearing?
Should District Court 15-3-07 bind charges over post-hearing, the case advances to Chester County Court of Common Pleas. There, Falgiatore could enter a plea, negotiate, or proceed to trial. Factors like evidence strength, witness testimony, and potential recording admissibility will influence outcomes.
Unsecured bail suggests Judge Heffern viewed Falgiatore as low flight risk. Community monitoring via court dockets or local media will track developments. Appeals remain possible if convicted.
