U. Darby police face no charges in DUI case

U. Darby police face no charges in DUI case A yearlong grand jury probe had studied the quashed drunken-driving arrest of a "friend" of the department. By Jeff Shields Inquirer Staff Writer No criminal charges will be filed against current or former Upper Darby police officials in connection with the alleged attempt to quash a drunken-driving case for a "friend" of the department. A yearlong grand jury investigation by the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office closed last month without criminal charges. Delaware County District Attorney G. Michael Green said he was informed yesterday by letter. "There was insufficient evidence to conclude that there was a deliberate attempt by anyone on the Upper Darby police force to obstruct justice," said Kevin Harley, spokesman for Attorney General Tom Corbett. The attorney general opened an investigation in December 2004 after a series of Inquirer stories documented the handling of a 2003 drunken-driving arrest. Over the 12 months of the grand jury's investigation, at least 20 Police Department employees were called to testify. Dante Panichi 3d of Bala Cynwyd was arrested Feb. 27, 2003, and charged with drunken driving - his fourth such arrest - but was released the next morning without prosecution. Arresting Officer Jerome Brown said a superior officer called him the next day and informed him that Panichi was "a friend of ours," according to Brown's attorney. The paperwork linked to the arrest disappeared. After the Inquirer stories, Green reopened the case, while also asking the attorney general to investigate. It is common for district attorneys to ask the attorney general to handle investigations involving police departments in their counties, Harley said. Panichi was convicted in April and is serving 15 to 30 months in prison. Police Superintendent Vincent J. Ficchi retired in September and was replaced by longtime Philadelphia Police Officer Michael Chitwood Sr.