OFFICIAL FEARS IMPACT OF DRUG ARREST ON CRIME WATCH

It's been three years since a group of people in Carbondale started the
first crime watch group in the city.

Since then, their hard work has been evidenced all over the city. The
groups, which operate in all four sections of the city, have built
reputations as effective crime-fighting associations that care about the
well being of the city and its residents. But in one swift and embarrassing
action, a woman none of the members ever has met nearly destroyed it.

"It's sad. I was watching it on the news and my eyes almost filled with
water," Carbondale North Side Neighborhood Association and Crime Watch
President Joseph Carachilo said. "I didn't want to believe what I was
watching."

What he was watching was a blow to the credibility of crime watch groups
throughout the area.

On Thursday, police arrested West Scranton Crime Watch President Freda
Joseph and charged her with possessing and selling heroin.

Now, Mr. Carachilo, one of the founding members of the Carbondale
Neighborhood Association and Crime Watch, said he is somewhat worried
people may have an ill perception of the Carbondale groups.

"I'm hoping it's an isolated thing," he said. "I'm praying it's an isolated
thing and I hope people are able to understand that."

If they can't, it may mean the crime watch groups will need to rebuild
their reputations.

"Personally, I feel violated," Mr. Carachilo said. "I know people are only
human, and right now, it's only an alleged crime. But a lot of people have
put a lot of work into this organization, and even the mention of something
like this hurts."

Carbondale City Manager Fred Moase said there is no evidence to make anyone
think the West Scranton incident is anything more than an anomaly.

"It's an isolated incident, and no one should look down on any of the crime
watch groups in the city or anywhere in the county," he said. "Our groups
here are a great help to the city, and we've accomplished a lot because of
their help."

What makes the problem worse is that it comes at a pivotal time when the
Upvalley group has been thriving. All four groups have received kudos from
local and state representatives who have visited their meetings.

In September, representatives from the Lackawanna County District
Attorney's office called the organization one of the best in the area. Tom
Hyson, deputy director of the state Weed and Seed program, called it one of
the best he has seen.

Despite what occurred in Scranton, Mr. Carachilo said his group has no
plans to monitor anyone in his group for drug activity or for any other
illegal acts.

"There is no reason to," he said. "I have no reason whatsoever to question
the integrity of anyone in our group. And I don't believe I ever will."