Peters Attorney and Township Native to Battle for DA Seat

Democrat  and , a Republican, are both seeking a four-year term as Washington County District Attorney. A prosecutor and business owner, DiCarlo noted in a previous interview that he believes the current DA office is "dysfunctional and is in dire need of improving its legal services to the courts and community, its administrative functions and its accountability." Vittone believes his 30+ years in community service, and "extensive community involvement and record of public service," have prepared him for the job.

David DiCarlo

Background information was not provided. Learn more about DiCarlo .

What will be your priorities if elected?

I will be a “hands-on” district attorney, carry a full caseload and actively prosecute cases. Currently, charges are being dropped, and serious offenders are being released from jail, because cases are not being called to trial within the legal time limits. I will not tolerate losing a case because it wasn’t called to court on time, and I will not offer a plea just to remove a case from the trial list.

This is not the Washington County of 20 years ago. Every community has felt the effect of drug crimes. As district attorney, I will continue to attend Neighborhood Watch meetings, meet with township supervisors and city council members, and talk to voters throughout Washington County. I will coordinate the work of the county drug task force, with the great work being done by our local police departments and the state police, so we have a truly combined investigative team to combat drug offenders and keep our neighborhoods safe. Also, I will target violent crimes and those crimes committed with firearms. I will not waive mandatory gun sentences just so we can push a case through the system and allow a violent offender to go back out on the street.

I will operate the office responsibly and professionally, using the business skills I’ve acquired by running a private law firm to eliminate wasteful spending and inefficiencies. I will listen to the concerns of the residents of Washington County and will always be accountable and accessible to those I was elected to serve.

Do you have any specific initiatives?

As district attorney, I will establish a network of community leaders, elected officials and law enforcement agencies with the single goal of making our neighborhoods safer, specifically targeting violent crimes and drug offenses. Also, I will support programs to protect our senior citizens from fraud and abuse. Finally, I will strengthen crime-prevention programs to avert criminal activity.

Why should residents vote for you?

I have the experience, dedication and leadership abilities to do the job. I am a former assistant district attorney of Washington County with 20 years of trial experience and an extensive criminal law background. I practice in state and federal court throughout southwestern Pennsylvania, and I am an adjunct professor in the Criminal Justice Department at Waynesburg University.

During my career, I have handled all levels of cases, from DUIs and assaults to homicides. As a prosecutor, I worked with the county drug task force, the Pennsylvania State Police Tactical Narcotics Team and federal agencies. In my last year, I prosecuted many sex offenders, and most of those victims were children. Because of my work in that field, The C.A.R.E. Center recognized me with an “Award of Appreciation” and invited me to serve on its board of directors.

I am especially proud to have the endorsement of National Trail Lodge 47 of the Fraternal Order of Police. Lodge 47 represents over 500 active and retired members of the Pennsylvania State Police in southwestern Pennsylvania. In endorsing me, Lodge 47 commented that my “relentless pursuit of justice speak volumes of your qualifications and dedication to those you serve.”

Washington County deserves to have an experienced, respected, hard-working,  dedicated trial lawyer as district attorney. We deserve to have a district attorney who will carry a caseload and who will lead by example. In my 20 years of practice, I have worked hard to earn my reputation as a tough trial lawyer, and I have earned the respect of our judges, my fellow lawyers, our community leaders and your friends and neighbors. That is why I am asking every Washington County resident to vote for me on May 17th.

• Lifelong Washington County resident
• Peters Township High School graduate 
• University of Pittsburgh - bachelor's in biological sciences, master's in business administration and health administration
• Duquesne University Juris Doctor with honors
• Member, Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association, Pennsylvania Narcotic Officers Association and International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators
• Assistant Washington County District Attorney assigned to crimes against the elderly and financial crimes

What will be your priorities if elected?

Prosecuting drug dealers and violent criminals to the maximum extent of the law. Maintaining an emphasis on crimes committed against the most vulnerable people (children and older adults). Improving communication and cooperation among law enforcement personnel and agencies. Continuing to work as a line prosecutor in leading and assisting office personnel and law enforcement in active investigations and prosecutions.

Do you have any specific initiatives?

I will take the crimes against the elderly initiative to the next level through community outreach and education to prevent future victimization. I will facilitate cooperation between all agencies responsible for enforcing the drug laws so as to reduce and eliminate drug-related crimes. I will implement vertical prosecution so that a single prosecutor is involved with a case from investigation through appeals. I will implement a program to educate our children regarding the perils of cybercrime and stalking so as to better ensure their safety. I will improve the office so that the latest in technology is utilized to track cases on the docket and facilitate resolution of criminal matters.

Why should residents vote for you?

I have been a prosecutor for more than a decade. It is what I have done for a living. I have handled virtually every possible type of criminal prosecution that could arise in the district attorney's office. I know this county and its people very well because I was born and raised here, and have spent my career here. I have the integrity and good character to make honest prosecutorial decisions, which the office requires without any taint of corruption or influence.