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...
Tips to avoid home-improvement fraud
D.A. urges vigilance to avoid victimization
Willistown Police Chief John M. Narcise warns: “If an offer looks too good to be true, it probably is.”
As summer temperatures soar, home-improvement scams can be a hot commodity, and Chester County District Attorney is offering some tips to avoid getting burned.
“Homeowners need to be vigilant when entering into home improvement contracts,”...
Raising awareness about regional heroin abuse
Brainstorming session attracts government officials, concerned citizens
By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times
Andy Rumford (center) discusses the heroin problem with New Garden Township Police Chief Gerald Simpson (left) and Kennett Square Police Chief Edward A. Zunino.
Think your child is too smart, athletic, or well-adjusted to become addicted to heroin? That’s a dangerously...
Mock crash: sobering reality check for teens
D.A. wishes every high school would present similar program
By Kathleen Brady, Managing Editor, The Times
As the Rustin High student body watches, first-responders work to extricate the students trapped in the vehicle during the mock crash exercise.
The two blood-splattered Bayard Rustin High student drivers managed to crawl from the wreckage of their two-car crash behind the school, but several...
Supervisor at driver’s license center convicted
Jury said he issued licenses to known criminals, using other people’s data
By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times
Khalif Abdullah Ali was convicted by a Chester County jury of identity theft, tampering with public records, and related offenses.
A Philadelphia man accused of fraudulently issuing driver’s licenses at a Chester County Drivers’ License Center was convicted Wednesday.
A...
D.A. adds 2 respected law-enforcers to detectives
The pair will fill vacancies created by recent retirements
Thomas J. Goggin, a veteran of the Phoenixville Police Department, has moved to the Chester County Detectives.
Two respected county law-enforcers were sworn in Monday as Chester County detectives, District Attorney Tom Hogan announced.
James F. Ciliberto, a longtime state trooper, and Thomas J. Goggin, a veteran of the Phoenixville Police...
D.A.: Escape plan of 2 alleged murderers gets thwarted
Four arrested in plot to spring two inmates from Chester County Prison
By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times
District Attorney Tom Hogan displays a piece of thick, security glass similar to the one the alleged conspirators hoped to shatter with a center punch or the ceramic innards of a spark plug.
All that separated two alleged murderers in Chester County Prison from freedom in...
D.A. believes high-profile criminal fled U.S.
Bench warrant issued for Sean O’Neill Jr., accused of violating parole
Updated at 10 p.m. to add comment from defense attorney
By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times
A bench warrant has been issued for Sean O. O’Neill Jr., a high-profile criminal believed to have fled the U.S.
A bench warrant has been issued for 23-year-old Sean O. O’Neill Jr., whose history of high-profile...
New Garden double slaying spurs anti-gang law
D.A. credits teamwork for quick passage of legislation
Graffiti often signals the presence of rival gangs who want to mark their territory, according to police.
By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times
At a December bonfire gathering in New Garden Township, gang rivalry turned deadly as knife-wielding assailants killed two partygoers.
The homicides resulted in the enactment of anti-gang...
Police: Cigar store selling illegal synthetic drugs
D.A. says dealing in ‘highly dangerous’ banned substances will not be tolerated
By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times
Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan surveys the materials seized from an Exton cigar store.
Chester County authorities know the dangers of synthetic drugs: Besides grisly national headlines, such as a bizarre face-chewing attack in Miami last month,...
