Sheriff's probe lands fiance at fashion show

Berks County, PA - Sheriff Eric J. Weaknecht paced nervously backstage at the Berks County Bridal Show in the Reading Crowne Hotel on Sunday.

He had enlisted several of his deputies to assist him in the final phase of a two-year investigation.

Somewhere out in the audience sat the subject of the probe.

His mind raced as he considered what might go wrong.

Could his prime suspect get away?

Weaknecht and his deputies had arranged to model tuxedos at the annual bridal event so they could blend.

Though only sheriff for a little over one year, Weaknecht has worked in the department nearly 25 years.

He started as a deputy and rose through the ranks. During that time he learned a lot about law enforcement.

Since taking office in January 2008 Weaknecht has started a K-9 unit, initiated traffic and tobacco enforcement, and opened up satellite offices for gun permits and dog licenses.

His favorite achievement is a special program that provides identification cards to children and enters their information into the Amber Alert system. If a child is abducted, his or her name, description and other vital information can be broadcast immediately as an Amber Alert.

Jessica D. Barrett said she could see Weaknecht pacing behind the curtain.

"I didn't think anything of Eric and his men volunteering to model," the sheriff's girlfriend said. "Eric is that kind of guy, wanting to help people out if he can."

She said she knew Weaknecht had his eye on her for about two years, but she admitted she had no idea she was the cause of his anxiety.

"Afterward, I remembered that he did seem really nervous," Barrett said. "But I attributed that to the fact he had never modeled."

The bridal show was a big success and the crowd of mostly women cheered wildly at the end as Weaknecht and his men went back on stage for an encore, dancing and twirling their vests to "I'm Too Sexy."

Barrett said she was applauding when, out of the blue, the emcee called her up on stage.

"Eric and the guys are always goofing around, so I thought I was prepared for anything," Barrett said. "But as I walked toward him I noticed his niece at the side of the stage with a camera."

Before she could react, the sheriff sprang his trap.

"I told you when I did this I was going to do it big," Weaknecht said. "Will you marry me?"

A fall wedding is planned.