New Detectives, Prosecutors Join Bucks County DA's Office

DOYLESTOWN, PA — Two new detectives and two new prosecutors were sworn in at the Bucks County Justice Center during a special ceremony on Thursday hosted by District Attorney Joe Khan.

Surrounded by family, friends, and members of the law enforcement community, Khan praised the incoming members – Detective Joe Zaffino, Detective Timothy Hartman, Deputy District Attorney Catherine Pirolli and Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Bethman - for their exceptional dedication to public service.

The oaths of office were administered by the Honorable Matthew D. Weintraub, who swore in the new detectives, and the Honorable Charissa J. Liller, who administered the oath to the new prosecutors.

Welcoming new detectives Joe Zaffino and Timothy Hartman. (Bucks County)

DA Joe Khan, Judge Liller and Judge Matt Weintraub with the new prosecutors Deputy District Attorney Catherine Pirolli and Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Bethman and new detectives Joe Zaffino and Timothy Hartman. (Bucks County DA's office)

Making the ceremony extra special, Judge Liller offered special praise to Bethman, her former law clerk.

Detective Joe Zaffino joins Squad 2 (Special Victims, Missing Persons, and Homicides) after a distinguished 16-year career with the Lower Southampton Police Department. He brings a wealth of specialized experience in tactical operations and training, and will now lead the launch of Bucks County’s first-ever Child Abduction Response Team (CART).

Detective Timothy Hartman joins Squad 5 (Special Investigations), where his responsibilities will include investigations into law enforcement and public officials. Detective Hartman brings 26 years of experience from the Philadelphia Police Department, including more than two decades as a detective, focusing on violent crime and firearms offenses.

Deputy District Attorney Catherine Pirolli returns to Bucks County after serving as a Deputy Attorney General with the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office. A veteran prosecutor with prior experience in the office as well as Monroe and Pike counties, she returns to the team to continue her work in public safety.

Assistant District Attorney Alexandra “Lexie” Bethman officially transitions into her new role as a prosecutor after serving as a law clerk to Judge Liller. A graduate of Widener University Delaware Law School and a former intern with the DA's Office, she brings a strong background in legal research and community advocacy to the job.