News Release On Behalf Of The Pennsylvania State Police

This crime occurred on 12/08/09 at approximately 1547 hours. In the commission of this crime, a male caller contacted the Berks County District Attorney’s Office by telephone. He left a message on the voicemail of an Assistant District Attorney and identified himself as "Detective Dave" from the Delaware State Police. The caller alleged that he wanted assistance in expediting the release of a defendant named John VATTILANO because he works for or with the Delaware State Police. The Assistant District Attorney was prosecuting a case for which the defendant was currently held in Berks County Prison. The caller left a phone number to call back. The Assistant District Attorney returned the call and spoke to a legitimate DSP Trooper who indicated he had never called the DA’s office but he was familiar with the defendant. VATTILANO was immediately suspected of placing this call himself and impersonating a police officer in order to secure, expedite, or influence his release.

An investigation was initiated and evidence was obtained that indicated that VATTILANO had placed this phone call, misrepresented his identity, and impersonated a public servant – in that VATTILANO did falsely pretend to hold a position in the public service with intent to induce another to submit to such pretended official authority or otherwise to act in reliance upon that pretense to his prejudice, in violation of Section 4912 of the PA Crimes Code.

The accused was arrested by Criminal Complaint being filed with District Court 23-3-05 on 01/23/10 at the conclusion of the investigation.

It is strongly suspected that the accused has misrepresented himself via telephone on other occasions.