RESPONSE TO ARREST OF FORMER DETECTIVE SGT. MICHAEL ERICKSON:

(SEPT. 24, 2024) In response to today's arrest of former Detective Sgt. Michael Erickson by the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office, the Nether Providence Township Police Department had no role in the investigatory process. A criminal charge filed in Aston District Court stemmed from an incident in Aston Township when he was not on duty and in no way involved his employment with the police department.
Chief David Splain assures the community that the Nether Providence Township Police Department (NPPD) has and will continue to take this situation very seriously.
When the Delaware County District Attorney's Office notified Chief Splain on June 14, 2024, that a criminal investigation had been initiated regarding an off-duty incident involving Michael
Erickson, Chief Splain immediately placed Erickson on administrative leave pending the outcome of the criminal investigation.

On July 2, 2024, the district attorney's office notified Chief Splain that the Erickson investigation was being turned over to the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office. Over the next several weeks, Chief Splain received communications from the Attorney General's Office investigators. The NPPD provided full cooperation.
On Sept. 19, 2024, the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office notified Chief Splain that the investigation revealed sufficient probable cause to deem the allegations credible, and they were moving forward with filing criminal charges. Erickson, who was directed to surrender this morning to the attorney general's office, is charged with one count of indecent assault, a first- degree misdemeanor.

The township hired Erickson as a patrol officer on July 14, 2003. He was elevated to detective, a position he held for 17 years before a promotion to detective sergeant in March 2023. His resignation from the police department, citing personal reasons, was submitted on Monday, Sept. 23, 2024.  Chief Splain has provided a video statement via the police department's social media platforms. No further information will be forthcoming from the Nether Providence Township Police Department.

Any further inquiries should be directed to the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office.