Ankle, computer device monitoring software required for Lavan, but former Somerset 911 coordinator may seek outside employment

David Hurst, The Tribune-Democrat, Johnstown, Pa.
Updated ·2 min read

Mar. 12—SOMERSET, Pa. — Bradley Lavan, who is charged with child sex crimes and posted bond in January, can seek employment outside Somerset County — but his location and cellphone usage will be monitored by the Somerset County Probation Department, a judge ruled.

Somerset County President Judge Scott Bittner issued the order during a hearing at which the former Somerset County 911 coordinator's legal team sought to modify his bond conditions, while the prosecutors asked to instead have bond revoked over Lavan's recent actions at a local country club.

The end result: Bittner allowed Lavan, 30, to remain free on bond and search for a job to help cover his legal costs, but with stricter bond conditions.

Lavan was ordered to wear an electronic monitoring device to ensure his travels for employment are monitored and pre-approved by the Somerset County Probation Department. He still cannot have contact with anyone under the age of 18 unless there's adult supervision, Bittner said.

And the software program ImpulseControl.net must be installed at Lavan's expense to monitor his use of cellphones and computer devices to limit his internet usage to job searches and preparing his defense. County probation officers will be able to monitor that activity while he's free on bond.

"We have no objection to that," defense attorney Scott King said. "We don't want to get close to a line (Lavan shouldn't cross). I just want to help get him employed."

Lavan, 30, faces five separate cases, accusing him of having inappropriate sexual contact with children between the ages of 3 and 7 years old at a Somerset County residence. That includes 13 criminal charges, including two felony counts each of rape, statutory sexual assault and involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child.

He has pleaded not guilty to the charges and awaits trial.

Online court records show a professional bondsman posted $100,000 of his secured bond in January.

The Somerset County District Attorney's Office sought to have that bond revoked in court.

Assistant District Attorney Christina DeMarco-Breeden said a video of Lavan at Somerset Country Club showed him operating a smartphone "for more than a few seconds" while teenagers were nearby.

She acknowledged that there was no proof of what Lavan was using the smartphone for, but said his ability to use the device should be limited to little more than making a phone call.

"Even if he's playing (the online game) Candy Crush, he's not supposed to be accessing the internet," Breeden said.

Bittner said he saw no issue with Lavan using the internet to job-hunt or text his attorneys — two of whom work in Georgia — but recognized the need for assurance that Lavan isn't using his phone to access social media or any online sites commonly accessed by minors. The software will monitor that, he said.

Lavan is tentatively scheduled on the April 4 criminal trial list.