TOWANDA, BRADFORD COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The former District Attorney for Bradford County Chad Salsman was sentenced Friday to 1.5 to 5 years in prison followed by 72 months of probationary supervision after pleading guilty to charges of intimidation, promoting prostitution and obstruction of justice in May.
“Chad Salsman coerced vulnerable Pennsylvanians because he thought his victims would be easy to silence and less likely to be believed if they ever came forward. Instead, they spoke out and we listened. Now, he has been taken out of his position of authority where he can no longer hurt women, and will spend time in prison for his repeated abuses of power,” said Attorney General Josh Shapiro. “We will continue to seek justice and stand up for the most vulnerable members of our commonwealth.”
In February, a grand jury investigation determined Salsman repeatedly used his position to pressure vulnerable female clients into sexual contact at his law office.
According to court documents, five women experienced the same patterns of coercion and assault from Salsman. Shapiro said Salsman would ask these female clients for nude photos or grope them during a meeting or in court. The grand jury alleges Salsman knew these clients were in vulnerable positions and used that against them.
Assistant Chief Deputy Attorney Daniel Dye says he’s happy to finally see justice served.
“We’re pleased. He’s no longer the DA, he’s going to state prison. The victims in this case are pleased. It returns to the citizens of Bradford County their DA’s office,” Dye said.
Dye says everyone must be held accountable for their actions. He’s glad the victims came forward.
“I think it’s important to get a prison sentence because of who he was and the crimes that he committed. Held this county hostage. Thanks to those brave victims he’s not longer the district attorney and now he’s a convicted felon,” Dye said.
Albert Ondrey was sworn in as the new District Attorney in June.
