Former Delco, Federal Prosecutor Appointed As District Attorney

MEDIA, PA – After Delaware County District Attorney Jack Whelan was sworn into the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas following his win in the November election, the county sought to fill his DA seat. The county announced Friday, Jan. 5 that former Delaware County Deputy District Attorney Katayoun "Kat" M. Copeland was appointed as the county's new DA.

Copeland, who until now was serving with the U.S. Attorney's Office in Philadelphia in its Narcotics and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, was appointed as the county's top prosecutor by the Delaware County Board of Judges.

A Baldwin School, Bryn Mawr College and Temple Law graduate, Copeland joined the DA's office in 1992 as an Assistant Distinct Attorney. In 2004 she was named Deputy District Attorney after working with the county's drug task force and criminal terrorism unit.

Then in 2011 she joined the U.S. Attorney's Office in Philadelphia and worked on cases involving drug operations, attempted murders, racketeering, and other major crimes.

"I am honored to be chosen by the Delaware County Board of Judges as the next District Attorney," Copeland said in a statement. "For a quarter of a century, I have made the pursuit of justice my life's work and look forward to continuing those efforts by leading the brave men and women of law enforcement, our committed prosecutors, and our partner community agencies, who are all dedicated to serving the residents of Delaware County."

During her prosecutorial career, Copeland has earned honors, award, and recognition form various agencies including police in Marple Township, Media Borough, Upper Darby Township; Pennsylvania State Police; and Delaware County agencies.

The county said it received 20 applications for the DA position. However, Copeland's familiarity with the county, experience as a federal prosecutor, and appreciation for concerns about restorative justice and re-entry opportunities set her apart from the crowd, the county said.

"With my appointment," she said in a statement, "I pledge to lead this vigorous fight to ensure that Delaware County continues to be a wonderful, safe place to thrive."

Copeland will be sworn into office at a later date.

Image via Delaware County