In 4 years, little progress on lawsuits involving former juvenile center
(April 20, 2025)Attorney Daniel McGarrigle is fighting for justice for plaintiffs abused while in county custody as juveniles. The case centers on abuse allegations at the former Delaware County Juvenile Detention Center, where the plaintiffs were held.
“I’ve been practicing criminal defense for over 20 years and the stories I’ve heard and encountered from here were troubling and were shocking, even to me,” McGarrigle said.
He also criticized the defendants’ unwillingness to engage in early settlement talks in good faith:
“It was clear from the very beginning that the defendants were not entering with good faith for any kind of reasonable settlement that would get anything resembling justice for the almost a dozen people who were juveniles and were physically and sexually assaulted while there, when they were supposed to be being protected and rehabilitated.”
A Silicon Valley Intellectual Society Kicked Them Out. Now They’re Tied to a Killing Spree
(February 22, 2025)Daniel McGarrigle, attorney for one of the individuals involved, provided legal commentary in this Wall Street Journal investigative piece on the Zizians group and its connection to multiple criminal cases. Addressing concerns around due process, he stated,
“Whatever you may think of the person, whatever you may think of the person’s identity politics or ideas or associations, you can’t turn non-crimes into crimes because you don’t like those other things.”
The Delirious, Violent, Impossible True Story of the Zizians
(February 21, 2025)WIRED covers the rise of the Zizians and their alleged connection to multiple crimes, exploring the group’s origins and legal implications.
Attorney Daniel McGarrigle, representing LaSota, commented on the charges:
“Annoying or frustrating the police is not a crime.”
Regarding the murder allegations, he stated:
“I won’t speak to rumors. I only speak to evidence. The evidence I’ve seen so far—that the Commonwealth has presented so far—has shown me that my client is not guilty of any crime in Pennsylvania.”
A former Delco woman is sought for questioning in her parents’ murder and the death of a border patrol agent, police say
(January 31, 2025)The Philadelphia Inquirer details an ongoing investigation into Michelle Zajko, a former Delaware County resident sought for questioning in the 2022 murder of her parents in Chester Heights and the recent fatal shooting of a U.S. Border Patrol agent in Vermont. Authorities say Zajko purchased firearms used in the Vermont incident. She has not been charged.
Attorney Daniel McGarrigle represents Jack LaSota, the leader of a group allegedly linked to both cases. LaSota was charged with obstruction of justice in Delaware County during the investigation into the Chester Heights homicides. He later failed to appear in Delaware County Court, and a bench warrant was issued.
“He is not only entitled to this presumption of innocence, but is, in fact, wholly and unequivocally innocent of the charges filed in this case,” said McGarrigle.
Charges in Rat Pack roundup withdrawn against 1 defendant
(October 12, 2024)Attorney Daniel McGarrigle successfully convinces prosecutors to withdraw all charges against his client who was implicated in a massive alleged drug conspiracy. McGarrigle proved to the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office that his client—who had been employed for over 13 years by the U.S. Department of Defense—had no involvement in the alleged criminal activity.
“What is most troubling to me… is that a simple check of employment records would have kept my client from being wrongly accused,” McGarrigle said. “In a case of this magnitude, the lack of due diligence by investigators and the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office is troubling to say the least.”
Fuel delivery driver charged in gas spill that contaminated Delco school grounds and killed local wildlife
(July 27, 2021)The Philadelphia Inquirer reports on felony charges brought against a fuel truck driver accused of intentionally releasing over 4,000 gallons of gasoline near Coebourn Elementary School in Delaware County, leading to environmental damage and school closure.
Attorney Daniel McGarrigle, representing the driver, confirmed that his client cooperated with investigators and turned himself in as required. He noted that he had only recently been retained and will conduct an independent review of the incident.
Read the full article on The Philadelphia Inquirer
Man Charged with Felony Rape After Sexual Encounter with Teen
(April 17, 2019)Summary: Felony Rape Charges Dismissed, All 1st Degree Felony Charges Also Dismissed
A 23 year old man from Havertown, Delaware County pleads guilty to statutory sexual assault, a second degree felony, after his attorney, Daniel McGarrigle negotiates a plea deal and convinces the Commonwealth to drop felonies of the first degree, including rape charges. (www.delcotimes.com/news/havertown-man-pleads-guilty-for-sexual-encounter-with–year/article_721e75e8-608e-11e9-a8ef-6b8465ed5304.html)
Delco man pleads guilty in fatal 2017 road-rage shooting
(September 5, 2018)A Delaware County man pleads guilty to third degree murder after his attorney, Daniel McGarrigle, convinces the Commonwealth to drop the first degree murder charge. (www2.philly.com/philly/news/pennsylvania/david-desper-2017-road-rage-shooting-chester-county-20180905.html)
Will judge allow CGI at road rage trial of man accused of shooting Bianca Roberson?
(May 21, 2018)A Delaware County man faces murder charges in an alleged road rage killing in West Goshen, Chester County, PA. (www.delcotimes.com)
Surprised friends knew accused road rage killer as ‘cool, calm’
(July 3, 2017)Criminal attorney Daniel McGarrigle’s Chester County, PA First Degree Murder case was featured in a Philly.com article. The case involves alleged charges of a road rage killing. (www.philly.com/philly/news/crime/surprised-friends-knew-accused-road-rage-killer-cool-calm-20170703.html)
Day care worker charged after video appears to show her pushing child down the stairs
(March 7, 2017)Firm founder Daniel McGarrigle’s Delaware County, PA criminal case featured in a national news article. (abcnews.go.com/US/day-care-worker-charged-video-appears-show-pushing/story?id=45971702)
Judge throws out rape case
(July 16, 2016)Local news article featured Lincoln University rape case. Daniel McGarrigle got a rape charge dismissed for his client. (www.mainlinemedianews.com)
‘Tainted’ cop gets his job back
(November 20, 2014)Daniel McGarrigle goes on record with Philly.com, discussing the Philadelphia Police corruption scandal: “I’m shocked and outraged but somehow not surprised,” said attorney Daniel McGarrigle, who represented a Jordanian smoke shop merchant who told investigators that Cujdik’s squad destroyed his surveillance cameras and stole money and merchandise.
(www.philly.com/philly/news/20141120_Tainted_cop_gets_his_job_back.html)
Of The Law, A ‘Mistake’ & The Scent Of Skunk
(April 23, 2012)Daniel McGarrigle’s client featured in a local news series. The case involved an appeal (Pennsylvania Post Conviction Relief Act) and claims of ineffective assistance of counsel for a 1989 plea agreement which resulted in a prison sentence of life without parole. (articles.philly.com)
At his sentencing, former physician’s assistant calls arrest on child sex crimes…
(December 9, 2011)Physician’s assistant in Dauphin County, PA charged with possessing child pornography and confesses to child molestation crimes. (blog.pennlive.com)
Judge grants cop’s request to withdraw plea
(October 13, 2011)Mr. McGarrigle’s client, a police officer, was able to withdraw his plea in a Lycoming County criminal case involving a Theft charge. (www.sungazette.com)
Pot grower sentenced to county prison
(September 28, 2011)Daniel McGarrigle’s case was featured in a local news paper. The case involved a large scale marijuana grow operation in Chester County, PA. (www.dailylocal.com)
Glen Mills man faces child-pornography rap
(June 3, 2011)20 year old Glen Mills (Delco, PA) man facing child porn charges after investigation by the Delaware County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The sentence was 11½ to 23 months in prison, mostly on electronic home monitoring. (www.delcotimes.com)
Former Hill teacher arraigned, to face charges of pursuing female student
(August 26, 2010)A former high school teacher was arrested and charged with sexual misconduct with a student in Lower Pottsgrove, Montgomery County, PA. (www.pottsmerc.com)
Jury: Not Guilty
(March 1, 2008)A Chester County jury found Daniel McGarrigle’s client “Not Guilty” after a murder trial, involving a 30 year old homicide. (www.dailylocal.com/article/20080301/TMP01/303019972)