Bucks County officer charged with felony wiretaps – Bucks Round-Up – October 6, 2025
Bucks County officer charged with felony wiretaps
A Lower Makefield Township police officer is facing serious criminal charges for secretly recording colleagues at the station. Kenneth Stinson, 52, of Bristol Township, was charged Friday with sixteen counts of intercepting communications, along with additional counts of disclosure and criminal use of a communication facility. Authorities say Stinson recorded at least 13 fellow officers without their knowledge, with some recordings spanning several years — one lasting over 90 minutes. The investigation began in spring within the Lower Makefield Township Police Department and later involved Bucks County detectives. A forensic search of Stinson’s phone reportedly revealed numerous recordings. Stinson, who has served with Lower Makefield PD since 2007 and previously worked for the Philadelphia Police Department, has been placed on administrative leave. He was arraigned Friday and released on $10,000 unsecured bail.
Final day for residents to send comments on $269.5 million high school plan
Taxpayers in the Pennsbury School District have until 4 p.m. Monday, October 6, to submit written comments on the proposed new high school, Superintendent Dr. Thomas Smith announced. The project — estimated at $269.5 million — has drawn a sharp divide among residents since the Act 34 hearing held in early September. Some community members praised the district’s transparency, while others questioned the price tag and urged the school board to let voters decide through a referendum. Smith said comments can be mailed or delivered to the district office at 134 Yardley Avenue, Fallsington, PA 19054. Updated FAQs and project documents are posted on the district’s website under the high school project section.
Fire Prevention Week emphasizes lithium-ion battery safety
The Bucks County Commissioners have proclaimed October 5–11 as Fire Prevention Week, highlighting the national theme “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” Commission Chair Bob Harvie urged residents, while reading the proclamation, to “buy, charge, and recycle safely” to prevent fires linked to these increasingly common batteries. Interim Fire Marshal Ryan Brookes advised residents to test smoke alarms, check fire extinguishers, and review family escape plans. He also encouraged neighbors to look out for those who may need help with safety checks. Fire officials remind homeowners that smoke alarms should be replaced every ten years, extinguishers every ten to twelve years, and both should be tested regularly. According to the Underwriters Laboratory Fire Safety Research Institute, modern fires burn faster than in the past, leaving as little as three minutes to escape once a blaze begins.
Philadelphia man charged in Bensalem motel shooting
Bensalem Police arrested Steven Kilcrest, 38, of Philadelphia, after he allegedly fired two shots in the parking lot of the Knights Inn Motel on Route 1 Thursday night. Officers recovered a loaded .40-caliber Hi-Point handgun and shell casings at the scene. Kilcrest, who is legally barred from owning a firearm, faces charges including aggravated assault, illegal firearm possession, and reckless endangerment. He was arraigned by District Judge Brian Marriott and sent to the Bucks County Correctional Facility on 10% of $500,000 bail.
Joe LeCompte hosts LeCompte in the Morning on WBCB 1490.
