Somerset County Sheriff Charged With Corruption of Minors After Shop With Cop Event

Somerset County Sheriff Dustin Weir has been charged with corruption of minors following a December 2024 "Shop With a Cop" event at a local Walmart, where he allegedly pressured a 15-year-old girl to accompany him to an aisle selling condoms, made explicit comments, asked inappropriate questions, and attempted to photograph her next to the condoms. The Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday condemned Weir's conduct as damaging to the reputation of law enforcement officers and emphasized that criminal behavior will not be tolerated regardless of rank. Weir's attorney, Matthew Zatko, has denied the allegations, claiming they stem from a disgruntled former employee and asserting that witnesses will clear Weir's name in court. Weir was served a summons for a preliminary hearing and arraignment on the misdemeanor charge. The incident has raised concerns about the abuse of authority by a law enforcement official sworn to protect the community.