After nearly two years of service, Washington County's first grand jury in more than 35 years has been discharged.
While the 38-member panel won't be convening again, Washington County District Attorney Steven M. Toprani said more presentments are on the way.
"I expect there will be more activity in about a week or so," Toprani said.
Toprani said Washington County President Judge Debbie O' Dell Seneca discharged the jury on Wednesday.
The panel, made up of 23 full-time members and 15 alternates, unanimously voted to be discharged.
Toprani said the grand jury had been seated for 22 months. Under state law, the grand jury is only allowed to remain in effect for 24 months.
"I am proud of them and what we accomplished," Toprani said.
The grand jury was seated in April 2009, at the request of Toprani, to investigate criminal activities throughout the county, including drug trafficking and public corruption.
Among the most notable indictments handed by the grand jury were the drug charges against former Monongahela police officer George Langan, who was accused of being an important figure in Monongahela's cocaine trade.
Langan was accused of protected drug dealers by alerting them to searches and arrests and by revealing information about police drug investigations. He eventually pleaded guilty to lesser charges and is serving 11 1/2 to 23 months in the county jail.
Toprani praised the work of the grand jury, as well as O'Dell Seneca, who supervised the panel.
"Most people think of jury duty just being for a few days or a few weeks," Toprani said. "They spent countless hours on investigations that were very important."
Toprani said the grand jury was an "invaluable tool," and is hoping the DA's office will convene another one in the future.
"It was a learning process for everyone involved," he said. "But, overall, it was a tremendous experience."
Toprani announced he will not seek re-election for a second term.
He said he still gets contacted by law enforcement agencies requesting the grand jury look into matters.
