State Attorney General Dave Sunday has been on the job for nine months, overseeing an office with about 1,100 employees and 17 locations.
Sunday, formerly district attorney of York County, was in Philadelphia recently for meetings, stopping at the AG’s office at 12401 McNulty Road.
So far this year, he’s met with, among others, Mayor Cherelle Parker, Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel and SEPTA transit and police leadership.
“I work and collaborate with everybody,” he said in an interview at his McNulty Road office.
The office’s workforce includes about 260 lawyers and 550 members of law enforcement. The office has three primary divisions – criminal, civil and public protection.
The criminal division includes a special prosecutor for crimes that take place on or near SEPTA property. Michael Untermeyer serves in that role.
“It’s an active unit,” Sunday said.
The legislature created the special prosecutor in 2023, but the law sunsets at the end of 2026. Sunday hopes the legislature extends the powers of the office, stating, “I’m a strong supporter of public safety.”
District Attorney Larry Krasner opposes the naming of a special prosecutor, while crime against SEPTA workers is one reason Transport Workers Local 234 endorsed Pat Dugan for DA in the Democratic primary. Dugan lost that primary, but Republican write-in votes made him the GOP candidate in the Nov. 4 general election.
Sunday, a Republican, was not a fan of Krasner when he ran for AG in 2024. The two were elected DA in 2017, but the Philadelphia office under Krasner is not part of the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association.
The new AG has not been asked to make an endorsement in the DA race, but surely wouldn’t back Krasner.
“Pat Dugan is an extremely well-respected former judge,” he said.
The office, under Sunday, has as one of its focuses investigating organized smash-and-grab retail theft rings.
“We’ve arrested multiple organizations,” he said.
The office puts the illegal drug trade at or near the top of its priority list.
Last month, Sunday was at the McNulty Road office to announce charges against 21 people and the seizure of drugs, firearms and cash following an investigation of the so-called 5th and Cornwall Drug Trafficking Organization, based in North Philadelphia.
On an ongoing basis, the office is removing packets and doses of fentanyl in places like Kensinhton.
“We attack the supply every day,” he said of drug investigations.
At the same time, the office promotes the Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative, which connects individuals suffering from substance use disorder with treatment options. Drug overdoses are the No. 1 accidental killer in the state. The program empowers law enforcement officers as well as others to guide individuals who are suffering from addiction into treatment, rather than diverting them into the criminal system.
To seek help through the Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative, call 833-OAG-4YOU or visit https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/leti/. ••
