January 19, 2005

Last March, 5thEstate.com wrote an exclusive investigative report on Lancaster's illegal constables. As a result of our investigatation, the District Attorney gave the illegal constables a deadline to get into compliance or face legal action. By May of 2004, all constables were now in compliance with the law - Or were they? 5thEstate.com decided to find out.

We are pleased to bring yet another exclusive report that shows more illegal activity on the part of the oldest legal position in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania going on right now!

Illegal Constable #1 - Brandon “Bam-Bam” Balmer
The first illegal constable is not new to 5thEstate.com readers. Brandon “Bam-Bam” Balmer was elected to serve as Constable for the Lancaster City's 9th ward . The problem? Bam-Bam lived on 331 East Fredrick Street, which is NOT in the 9th Ward. (This would be like someone from Quarryville running for Mayor of Lancaster – they don't live there, they can't serve there!)

After 5thEstate.com's story was published last March, Don Totaro, Lancaster County's District Attorney, filed an “in quo warranto” against Balmer. That legal action asked the court to remove the illegal constable from office because he did not meet the residency requirement. Soon after, Balmer swore, under penalty of law, that his new address was located in the proper district at 528 West Lemon Street. The district attorney discontinued the action as a result.

So does Balmer live on West Lemon Street? Not only did we not find any evidence to that effect, but found no evidence that this illegal and now lying constable EVER lived there! So where does Balmer actually live? 5thEstate.com has confirmed that he never moved from the original 331 East Fredrick St. rental just around the corner from the General Hospital where he works in security. WARNING - You better not check up on Bam-Bam - he has a NO TRESPASSING sign hanging from his window!

So does Balmer collect his mail at this false address?

Mailed is forwarded to:
PO BOX 161
Bausman, PA

During our 10 day investigation, Balmer, who occasionally walks the few blocks to the General Hospital, had his Green Chevy Tahoe with “Dare” license plates parked outside 331 East Fredrick St. on at least 24 occasions at various times of the day of the day and night. Balmer's Tahoe was covered with snow and on this day he walked to work. But was Balmer just visiting his Dad and Mom who live and own the house next door? There are several reasons to suggest no. When Balmer's Tahoe was observed after sundown, both houses were often dark. Not only was Balmer observed going in and out of the 331 E Fredrick Street but this “public servant” was also seen exiting the 331 East Fredrick St home and driving the three blocks to the General in that same Tahoe. For instance, on Friday January 14, Balmer's home was dark until 6:15 PM. As Balmer was looking at a 7PM to 7AM shift, it appears as though he was taking a nap before exiting 331 E. Fredrick St at 6:44PM. Balmer than spent a few minutes talking to an elderly man standing on the porched owned by Balmer's father.

Should Balmer, a law enforcement officer, be allowed in office when he is lying about his residence and THEN goes to lengths to cover it up? Amusingly 5thEstate.com contacted the landlord and inquired about Balmer. He replied that Balmer's WIFE lived there but that Balmer did not! When challenged about the veracity of the statement, the landlord yelled and then hung up on 5thEstate.com's reporter.

Illegal Constable #2 - John Manley
John Manley use to live on 120 East New St. in Lancaster. In 2003, he sought the endorsement of the Cocalico Republican Party for nomination for Denver Constable giving his address as “731 Oak St”. The problem? Sources have confirmed that Manley never lived in Denver. When 5thEstate.com contacted the phone number listed by Manley, a resident confirmed that Manley did NOT live there.

So where does Manley live? We caught up to him at his $300,000 home overlooking Blossom Hill in Manheim Township. Manley's father died last September and he inherited the beautiful hill top home at the end of a private cul de sac. The home was transferred to him in December but it's clear that Manley NEVER lived in Denver. Manley came to the Manheim Township door after someone went into one of the back rooms to get him. He emerged in stocking feet. Inside the beautiful expansive great room and dining area, Manley had his gun belt draped over a kitchen chair and had a pile of mail addressed to the 387 Apple Lane lying on the kitchen counter.

While Balmer has lied and deceived, this illegal constable went to even further extremes to deceive and perjure himself - Manley even has his PennDot records listed with the false address!

Illegal Constable #3 - John Harman

This constable sold the house listed as his “official” address May 23, 2003! Any mail sent to the address will come back!
	Amazingly, this constable for Bainbridge lists the Rolex school in Lititz as his address on his Pennsylvania State Ethics form! Harman works security at this facility and has as his home phone - a private, unlisted Lititz exchange!

Last year the District Attorney gave the constables a chance to get into compliance. What should be done to these three illegal constables who lied and deceive to appear as though they are legitmate?

Stay tuned to 5thEstate.com - Lancaster County's ONLY investigative reporting!


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