New Delaware County District Attorney Being Sworn In Friday

MEDIA, PA – Delaware County will officially welcome its new District Attorney Friday, Jan. 19 with the swearing in of recently-appointed DA Katayoun "Kat" M. Copeland.

Copeland will be sworn in at an induction ceremony at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 19 in the Honorable John V. Diggins Ceremonial Courtroom #1 at the Delaware County Courthouse.

Copeland was appointed DA on Friday, Jan. 5. She takes over the DA's office after former DA Jack Whelan was elected to the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas in November.

Copeland is a graduate of The Baldwin School, Bryn Mawr College and Temple University's Beasley School of Law.

She has spent 25 years as a career prosecutors, working for Delaware County DA's office for 19 years with its drug task force and criminal terrorism unit, as well as United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania where she 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 following her appointment. "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."

Image via Delaware County