Pennsylvania Court Upholds Law Appointing Special Prosecutor for SEPTA Crimes

Philadelphia DA Larry Krasner loses challenge against Act 40, which shifts prosecution of transit crimes to state-appointed authority.

The Commonwealth Court ruled 4-3 that Act 40, creating a special prosecutor for SEPTA crimes, is constitutional.
State Attorney General Michelle Henry has appointed Michael Untermeyer as the special prosecutor.
Krasner plans to appeal the decision to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, arguing the law disenfranchises Philadelphia voters.
The law allows the special prosecutor to select which crimes on SEPTA property to handle, with the remainder left to Krasner's office.
The legislation, passed with bipartisan support, will be in effect until the end of Krasner's term in December 2026.