Cops Search Local Senator's Home; Take Safe, Hard Drive

POSTED: 11:19 am EDT August 9, 2006
UPDATED: 6:32 pm EDT August 9, 2006

HEMPFIELD TOWNSHIP, Pa. -- An army of state troopers, investigators and crime scene technicians executed a search warrant at the home of state Sen. Bob Regola on Wednesday morning, Channel 4 Action News has learned.

Channel 4 Action News reported that they removed a safe and the hard drive of a computer from Regola's house on Glenmeade Road.

Investigators were looking for evidence in connection with the death of 14-year-old Louis Farrell, whose family lives next to Regola.

Regola was not at home while his property was searched, according to Channel 4 Action News reporter Gus Rosendale.

Quoting Trooper Steve Barto, the Tribune-Review reported that the Regolas have stopped cooperating with state police and won't submit to any more interviews.

The trooper also told the Trib that police have asked to interview Regola's 16-year-old son, Robert, but that request has been denied.

Attorney Mark Rush said Sen. Regola is cooperating with police. The senator has already volunteered evidence and will answer more questions that are submitted through Rush, the lawyer said.

Farrell's body was found with a gunshot wound behind his home on July 22. The county coroner has yet to rule how the fatal wound was inflicted.

Police said a gun found near the body belongs to Regola, who, according to a spokesperson, was in Harrisburg when the shooting happened.

Farrell had access to Regola's home to watch his pets while the senator was away, police said.

Last month, during the early stages of the investigation, Westmoreland County District Attorney John Peck said it did not appear likely that Regola would face charges.

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