Suspended! Cover Up?

Rochester Borough Police Officer and Former Candidate for Sheriff Sam Piccinini has been suspended from the Beaver County E.S.U (Emergency Services Unit) pending an investigation, according to District Attorney Anthony Berosh.

Law enforcement sources have told the Beaver Countian that Piccinini is suspected of discharging a firearm near his home in Rochester. Those sources say a vehicle owned by a neighbor was believed to have been struck when the weapon was fired.

“The first I learned of this alleged incident was by reading an article on BeaverCountian.com” said District Attorney Berosh “Since that time, I have had the opportunity to speak with other individuals. I have suspended Piccinini from the Beaver County ESU, and have directed Rochester Borough Police Chief Frank Marcier to turn all investigations into the matter over to the Pennsylvania State Police.”

Despite public denials by Rochester Borough’s Mayor, sources have told the Beaver Countian both he and Chief Mercier were aware of an alleged incident involving Piccinini before the November 8th election.

District Attorney Berosh has said none of his Detectives were aware of the incident until after the Beaver Countian’s initial coverage.

When reached by phone earlier this week, Sam Piccinini told the Beaver Countian “I really can’t say anything. It’s something that I can’t talk about right now [...] I would like to talk to you, and when I can I will.”