HARRISBURG, PA — A Pennsylvania State Trooper is facing serious allegations after being charged with crimes related to an alleged effort to obstruct a police investigation.
Christopher S. Young, 34, was charged on Tuesday with felony witness intimidation, along with misdemeanor counts of stalking and loitering or prowling at night. Due to concerns for public safety, a district judge denied him bail, stating he posed a danger to himself and others.
According to investigators from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General and State Police, Young is accused of making repeated attempts to contact a potential witness in a child abuse investigation. Authorities allege that, in recent weeks, Young persistently called and sent text messages to the witness. On the night of February 24, he was reportedly found armed with a gun and a knife while 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 stated. “As a sworn officer with an oath to protect the community, the defendant’s alleged behavior will not be tolerated.”
Young, who has been with the force since 2017 and was assigned to Troop L, Hamburg, is currently suspended without pay, according to the Pennsylvania State Police.
The child abuse investigation connected to this case remains active, and the Office of Attorney General confirmed that Senior Deputy Attorney General Lauren Eichelberger will oversee prosecution efforts.
Officials emphasize that all charges are allegations, and Young is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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