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TOWANDA — Former Bradford County District Attorney Chad Salsman was sentenced to 1 1/2 to 5 years in state prison today. Following incarceration, he will spend up to 72 months on probation.
When asked about the sentence, Assistant Chief Deputy Attorney General Daniel J Dye said his office is “pleased” with the sentencing.
“He’s no longer the DA. He is going to state prison. The victims in this case are pleased. I believe there is going to be some disciplinary action from the Supreme Court,” said Dye.
Salsman pleaded guilty to three separate counts on May 7. He pled guilty to: felony promoting prostitution and the misdemeanors of obstruction of justice and intimidation of witnesses.
As part of the plea, Salsman acknowledged the charges were made on a factual basis directly in consequence to his exchanging sexual favors for legal fees.
During the hearing, two victims personally read their statements, while three were read by Dye.
The first victim to read her statement noted that she now has to take medication for dealing with what happened to her, as well as constant counseling sessions.
“I came to you at my lowest and most vulnerable,” she read. “You were supposed to help me. You threatened me about going to other lawyers, you did everything you could to keep me trapped. I did what you told me to do and you took advantage of me. I didn’t feel safe in my own home. You took away my life, the me that is me.”
“I am my own hero. That is why I am here today. Chad Salsman was appointed my attorney for a child custody case,” read another victim. “We are taught to trust our professionals in our time of need,” she said, noting that her abuse had lasted for three years. “My worth was only dependent on my sexual pictures, videos, etc. This has been one of the most difficult things in my life to accept. I will fight for what’s right. He was supposed to help the most and did the exact opposite.”
Another victim’s statement was read: “It destroyed not only me, but my family. I was unable to go to work and do my job.”
Dye read another victim’s statement, as she was “too afraid to come to the hearing for fear of retaliation by Salsman.”
“You become a friend. You were someone I trusted. You used the trust and your position to take advantage of us,” read another victim statement. “You victimized women using your position. Do you consider the trauma you created by the women already traumatized? I hope you are fully held accountable. This man does not deserve sympathy. Consider the victims.”
She relayed that she now has severe night terrors, PTSD, depression and anxiety.
All the victims asked for the maximum sentence, which was 11 years in state correctional facility.
Jodi Salsman took the stand on behalf of her brother, telling the court of the wonderful brother she has.
“I’ve known him for 35 years,” read Jodi. “The man I know has been generous and kind. He treated me like gold,” she stated, noting of past memories of Salsman treating her to dinner and movies, and buying her wonderful Christmas presents. “He makes the best dad. He supports his three daughters in everything. Chad is a great supporter and provider for his family. These charges are contrary to his true character. He is regretful,” she said.
“If he goes to jail, his family will suffer with their provider being gone. The girls will lose normalcy in teenage years. Chad Salsman is a loving family man. He is generous and kind,” she concluded.
Dr. Richard Fishbein took the stand to discuss recent counseling sessions with Salsman, with about two and a half hours on contact with the defendant. The first session took place on May 25, and the second took place on June 4. Fishbein also noted court records in his testimony, stating that Salsman “showed up, was cooperative, accepted responsibility, showed remorse and was confused as to how he got into this position.”
Fishbein noted Salsman’s test results showed that he made a legitimate effort and was truthful throughout the process of taking his 500 question exam. He said Salsman had a mixed personality defect, and had the ability to relate to others but really did not know how to connect to them, especially women.
“He can be rehabilitated, but he has difficulty understanding why it happened,” said Fishbein, who noted that rehabilitation is possible, but with a lot of work ahead of him.
“I stand here ashamed and ask for forgiveness,” said Chad Salsman. “I apologize to the victims, and I hope they can accept and forgive me.”
He continues “All my life, I wanted to help people. I enjoyed helping people with my job. I let my own sexual desires outweigh my duties to help them. I am truly sorry for that. I am ashamed of myself.”
He went on to also apologize to his wife, his family that he said he embarrassed, members of the BAR Association as well as the citizens of Bradford County.
“I ask for mercy. That is all,” he concludes.
In sentencing, the judge noted that Salsman violated an oath as an attorney and that total confinement is necessary.
Salsman was charged nine to 24 months for the intimidation charge. He was charged nine to 36 months for the prostitution charge, with 48 months special probation. Finally, he was charged 24 months special probation for the obstruction of justice charge. These charges are to run consecutively, not concurrently.
The judge recommends treatment programs for sexual therapy. He is to have no contact with any of the victims. When released from incarceration, he is to find employment, do community service and will be in the care of his family.
A video of an after-court interview with Dye is found on our Facebook page.