Restitution payments in Westmoreland County on the rise

Restitution payments to Westmoreland County crime victims increased 37 percent in 2013, according to an annual report released on Tuesday.

Nearly $1.5 million in funds were released to victims as a result of “the collection efforts that we've stepped up in the office,” said county Clerk of Courts Bryan Kline.

The report, authored by President Judge Richard E. McCormick Jr., outlined statistics, revenue and costs for the Court of Common Pleas in 2013.

The clerk of courts office is responsible for collecting court costs, fines and restitution payments, in addition to keeping criminal court records.

Collections of unpaid costs, fines and restitution have steadily increased since Kline took office in 2009. He implemented a system in which defendants who have missed payments are summoned to a hearing. Kline said he hopes to collect $6 million in 2014.

Kline said he has gotten positive responses from crime victims, which is reassuring.

The office collected $5.8 million in 2013; $5.4 million in 2012; $4.89 million in 2011; and $4.79 million in 2010.

Administrative cost hearings and contempt court have brought in about $10,000 monthly, Kline said.

“These are processes that any clerk of court could implement,” he said.

Renatta Signorini is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at 724-837-5374 or rsignorini@tribweb.com.