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JANUARY 1-7, 2026
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Former Bethlehem police Officer sentenced to 10-20 Years in state prison
State Police investigate Yes, Chef! Burglary in Allen Township Behind Submitted by NATHAN BRANOSKY The Apron The Pennsylvania State Police Submitted by investigation revealed that he (PSP) Troop M – Bethlehem StaSTEPHEN BARATTA had engaged in an inappropriShowcases tion is investigating a burglary Northampton County District ate ongoing relationship with the that occurred on Dec. 19, 2025, Attorney Stephen G. Baratta an- female student. Additionally, poThe stories, in Allen Township, Northampton nounced that Costas Alestas, a lice recovered evidence that AlesCounty. former Bethlehem City police of- tas recorded an “upskirt” video On Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, ficer, has been sentenced to 10-20 of another student without her Strength and at approximately 6:18 p.m., years in state prison after plead- knowledge. troopers were dispatched to a ing guilty to the charges of involAs a result, Alestas was charged Community residence in the 200 block of untary deviate sexual intercourse with several offenses, including Windsor Drive, Allen Townand invasion of privacy. statutory sexual assault, instituOf local chefs ship, Northampton County, for On May 1, 2024, the Bethle- tional sexual assault, aggravated Submitted by hem City Police Department was notified of allegations concerning an inappropriate relationship between Officer Alestas and a female student at East Hills Middle School. At the time, Alestas was serving as a school resource officer employed by the City of Bethlehem Police Department. Following the report, school officials and law enforcement took prompt action. The Bethlehem Police were notified immediately, and Officer Alestas was placed on administrative leave. Alestas surrendered his cell phone to Bethlehem City Police, and a thorough
County Exec. McClure awards $600,000 in Public safety Grants to local Organizations
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indecent assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, criminal use of a communications facility and invasion of privacy. On April 23, 2025, Alestas entered a guilty plea in front of the Honorable Judge Samuel P. Murray to the charges of involuntary deviate sexual assault against a person less than 16 years old, a felony in the first degree, and invasion of privacy, a third-degree misdemeanor. On Dec. 22, 2025, Alestas was sentenced to 10 to 20 years in state prison, followed by three years of probation to be run consecutively, for the charge of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, and one year of probation to be run concurrently for the charge of invasion of privacy. During the sentencing, Judge Murray found Alestas to be a sexually violent predator. This will require Alestas to be registered as a sexually violent predator and registered under Megan’s Law for the rest of his life. All further inquiries should be directed to the Northampton County Office of the District Attorney.
MEGAN SEDLOCK Chef Kuno Stadelmann and fellow chefs recognized for their resilience, storytelling and impact at Yes, Chef! Behind the Apron A sold-out fundraising event for Yes, Chef! Behind the Apron at Bear Creek Mountain Resort in Macungie celebrated 20 chefs through artistic portrait reveals, authentic storytelling and community connection. While tasting tables delighted attendees, the evening focused on supporting chef wellness retreats, mental health services and initiatives aimed at combating food insecurity in the Lehigh Valley and beyond. Guests explored an exclusive art exhibition of Elaine Zelker’s striking chef portraits—candid and vulnerable, each paired with a personal story that humanized the person behind the apron. Chefs were selected primarily through nominations, but participation extended beyond showcasing culinary skill. The event honored their resilience, mental health journeys and the impact they have on their com-
the report of a burglary. Upon investigation, it was determined the actor gained entry into the residence by forcing the sliding back door open. Once inside the residence, the actor stole watches from the house that had a total value of $20,000. Troopers are requesting the public’s assistance with identifying the individual and vehicle who were observed in the area of the burglary on the above date and time. Anyone with information pertaining to the identification of the pictured individual or vehicle is asked to contact PSP Bethlehem at 610-861-2026 and reference Incident Number
munities. Among the featured chefs was Kuno Stadelmann, executive chef at Traditions of Hanover, who began his culinary legacy at the age of 15. He worked alongside his father, who was also a chef, at the historic Hotel Bethlehem and Saucon Valley Country Club before opening the kitchen at Traditions of Hanover, a retirement living community in Hanover Township. At Traditions of Hanover,
Suspect in Allen Township burglary
Suspect’s vehicle in Allen Township burglary PA2025-1570222. For more information on the Pennsylvania State Police, visit www.psp.pa.gov. Chef Kuno doesn’t just feed a community—he belongs to it— from taking the time to build Continued on page 2
85th Year, Issue No. 1 www.homenewspa.com
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