SEPTA’s special prosecutor talks strategy for his office, why he hasn’t taken any cases yet
In the latest episode of Battleground Politics, Lauren Mayk talks to SEPTA special prosecutor Michael Untermeyer in his first interview since being appointed to the job. Earlier in the year, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed into law Act 40, which directed the appointment of a special prosecutor by the attorney general’s office to handle crimes on SEPTA property. Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner engaged in a legal battle against the law, arguing it unconstitutionally stripped him of geographic jurisdiction, removed his core prosecutorial functions and took away power from the voters who elected him. Shapiro has defended the law however, saying it would provide law enforcement officials with additional tools to prevent crime in the city. This summer, Untermeyer was named the special prosecutor for SEPTA after Pennsylvania’s Commonwealth Court rejected Krasner’s argument that the law was unconstitutional. In the interview, Untermeyer revealed his strategy for the office, who he’s talked to – and who he hasn’t.
Battleground Politics With Lauren Mayk
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Show Notes
Here’s a full breakdown of the episode:
00:17 – What Untermeyer has been doing since becoming special prosecutor
1:11 – Strategy for SEPTA safety
4:24 – Why Untermeyer hasn’t taken any cases so far
5:35 – Where Untermeyer’s office will be based
5:58 – How long it will take before Untermeyer handles more serious crimes
6:50 – Why Untermeyer hasn’t met with DA Larry Krasner
8:38 – How Krasner’s office has handled crime on SEPTA
9:07 – Whether or not a special prosecutor is necessary for SEPTA
10:02 – Untermeyer’s jurisdiction
11:30 – Hiring qualifications for Untermeyer’s office
12:16 – Untermeyer’s staffing goal
13:04 – When Untermeyer will be ready to take a case
13:35 – Legislators and Act 40
14:08 – Would Untermeyer run for District Attorney?
15:38 – Assaults on SEPTA employees
16:09 – Handling non-assault cases
17:31 – Untermeyer’s current office
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