16-04-2025
Detective's key role in criminal investigations
MOUNT POCONO, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — One of three suspects is still on the run following a deadly shooting at a short-term rental property in the Poconos back in January.
Authorities believe all have ties to a gang in Venezuela.
It's an open case out of Long Pond following the shooting and killing of a 22-year-old man from Venezuela at a rental property back in January.
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With the help of Erica Burk, a Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department detective, the timeline of what happened was broken down.
'I needed to contribute in that respect with conducting most of the interviews.'
Detective Burk says being bilingual played a huge role in the investigation.
But it's not the only time it's helped her in the field.. She says it's played a role in many other cases due to the growing Spanish-speaking community in our area.
'I would say daily because if not for my own investigations, it isn't uncommon for a patrol officer to come to my desk and say, 'Hey Erica, I need your help. I just took a complaint, but the person is Spanish-speaking, can you help me?''
Detective Burk's been with the department for the last 16 years, working up the ranks as a school resource officer at the Pocono Mountain School District, where she handled many cases involving child abuse.
'When you have such close contact with children, you get to know the children, they confide in you, and so through those means, I was able to investigate those cases.'
Stepping into her role as detective, she says it was a natural progression as she mostly handles crimes against children, with a passion to serve her community.
'I really enjoy my job, it's a blessing to be able to do this for a living. I get to help people and connect with people every single day, and so I just appreciate that I have the opportunity to do this.'
At one time, Detective Burk says she was the only Spanish-speaking officer, but they have since hired other bilingual officers at the pocono mountain regional police department.
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