A former clerk specialist in the Lancaster County Prothonotary’s Office, Lucas Keener, is facing charges for allegedly obstructing a federal investigation. On January 16, Keener, 31, accessed personal information of an Iranian national who had entered the United States illegally, according to the Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office. He then shared this information with a watchdog group, aiming to disrupt a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) investigation.
The incident occurred shortly after CBP agents visited the Lancaster County Courthouse to gather public information on the individual, who has a pending criminal case in Lancaster County. Keener allegedly shared the individual's full name and address, claiming he was "keeping the community safe."
Keener, who reportedly opposes deportations, referred to law enforcement as the "Gestapo" in a statement to another employee. He later admitted to sending the individual’s information to a watchdog group via the Signal app and provided details about the individual’s attorney.
As a result of the investigation, Keener is charged with a misdemeanor count of obstructing the administration of law or other governmental function. District Attorney Heather Adams stated, "Public servants abusing their positions in order to prevent a federal agency from carrying out their lawful mission is an unacceptable breach of trust and potentially endangers law enforcement and our community." She emphasized that Keener's actions do not reflect the professionalism and dedication of Lancaster County's agencies.
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