Chesco Detective becomes first ever to earn PhD degree

Detective Ben Martin is at his graduation with his father, former Chester County Detective Frank Martin. WEST CHESTER — Chester County Detective Ben Martin now will be referred to by his colleagues in law enforcement as “Doctor Martin.” Detective Martin recently received his Ph.D. in Leadership from Alvernia University. Det. Martin was joined at his graduation by his father, former...

Chesco Detectives add three investigators

The three newest Chester County Detectives: from left, John O’Donnell, Keith Cowdright and Ben Martin. WEST CHESTER — It seems the loss for three local police departments will be the gain for the Chester County Detectives as the office formally announced the hiring of three veteran police officers to its staff, Monday. Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan announced the hiring of John...

County Chief of Detectives Vito to retire at end of 2015

Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan congratulates Chief of Chester County Detectives James Vito on his retirement, effective at the end of the year. WEST CHESTER — The county’s top investigative officer, Chester County Detectives Chief James Vito will retire at the end of 2015, District Attorney Tom Hogan said Wednesday. Vito currently is the longest serving member of the District...

Police: Gang members turn child’s party violent

Two Sur-13 members charged in connection with Saturday night stabbing By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times Charges related to Saturday’s stabbing are pending against Emmanuel “Criminal” Renteria, 25, of West Grove, who is incarcerated on unrelated warrants, police said. The New Garden Township Police Department responded to the 100 block of Thompson Road for a large...

D.A.: Convicted sex offender back behind bars

He allegedly returned to U.S. after being deported but was spotted by county detective By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times Bolivar Barrios, 25, is behind bars again after a Chester County detective recognized the former Avondale resident as a convicted felon who had been deported, authorities said. A convicted sex offender who had been deported after serving prison time is back in...

New detective could crack county’s hiring freeze

Commissioners favorable to D.A.’s plea to bolster overburdened child-abuse unit By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times Tredyffrin Township Police Superintendent Anthony Giaimo (left) and Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan discuss the need for another county detective who specializes in child-abuse investigations. Widespread publicity about serial child molestation – both...

Charges multiply against former foster parent

D.A. calls defendant, a former URA coach, ‘a wolf in sheep’s clothing’ By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times A 1995 photo of Leroy K. Mitchell at age 42 may help identify other potential child sex-abuse victims, District Attorney Tom Hogan said. Five additional child victims have surfaced in the sexual-abuse case against a former coach, foster parent, and corrections officer,...

D.A.: Mexican drug pipeline to county busted

Sixteen defendants face cocaine-trafficking charges By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times Moise “Moi” Lantigua-Ayala (clockwise from top left), 29, of Reading; Fidencio “La Tusa” Avalos, 42, of Kennett Square; Jonathan “Cesar” Garcia Sanchez, 25, of Wilmington, De.; Jesus Zamora-Zamora, 40, of Wilmington, De.; Benjamin Lara-Medina, 38, of Wilmington,...

New county detective continues family legacy

Robert Balchunis has been assigned to Major Case Squad By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times Chester County Detective Robert Balchunis, the latest addition to the investigative arm of the District Attorney’s Office, began his new post this week, said District Attorney Tom Hogan. A respected police officer who may be genetically predisposed to investigative work has joined the...

Longtime foster parent accused of molesting 2 girls

Chester County D.A. urging other potential victims to come forward By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times Leroy Mitchell, a longtime foster parent and corrections officer, is accused of molesting two young girls. A longtime foster parent has been charged with molesting two children, ages 9 and under, in his care, Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan said Tuesday. Leroy Mitchell,...