Montgomery County, PA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 7, 2009

 

 

 

 

Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman and announce the filing of charges against Julie Ann Macedo (DOB 12/2/57). The charges filed against Ms. Macedo include Tampering with Physical Evividence, Conspiracy at Tampering with Evidence, Recklessly Endangering Other Persons and False Reports to Law Enforcement. Her charges are a result of aiding a juvenile co-defendant in getting rid of guns that were to be used to kill Pottstown High School students and  lying to police about it.

 

Pottstown Borough Police began an investigation after a reported theft of firearms from the Michael Yanis, who told police he was missing (3) handguns:
(1) Smith and Wesson .357 caliber revolver, SN# TAR3889
(2) Smith and Wesson, .22 caliber semi-auto pistol, SN# AJR0679
(3) Colt, .45 caliber semi-auto pistol, SN#70N68262.
He reported that the handguns were taken from within a secured gun locker located in the basement of his residence. Also, he reported .357 and .22 caliber ammunition missing from within the gun locker.

 

A juvenile co-defendant admitted that he received a bag from Mr.  Yanis’ son that contained guns and ammunition.  The juvenile co-defendant also indicated that he took the bag to his house and showed the guns to Macedo. She then drove him to the Manatawny Creek in River Front Park in Pottstown Borough where he threw the guns into the water.

 

The Collegeville Dive Team recovered the handguns and 248 rounds of .22 caliber ammunition from shallow water in Manatawny Creek. There were also rounds of ammunition found on the banks of the creek. Police examined the handguns and determined that they were the same handguns reported stolen from Michael Yanis. The .22 caliber pistol was loaded with a chambered round. A ballistics examination was conducted by a Montgomery Detective, who determined that each of the firearms were fully functional.

 

Subsequent to getting rid of dangerous evidence, Julie Macedo was present for an interview with her juvenile co-defendant. During the interview she berated police for not doing their job and provided a false alibi for the juvenile co-defendant.

 

Charges were filed today before Magisterial District Judge Thomas Palladino, who is located in Pottstown. It is anticipated that the defendant will be arraigned tomorrow.

 

Assistant District Attorney Therol Johnson Dix will prosecute the case.
 
       Approved for release:

 

       Risa Vetri Ferman