Find Your Daily Voice
32°
Tag: Montgomery County, PA
126K+ Lose Power, 1 Killed, Flights Grounded, Trains Delayed, Roads Closed As Fierce Winds Slam
Fierce winds ripped through Pennsylvania from Sunday, Feb. 16, into Monday, Feb. 17, toppling trees, knocking out power to 126,000 people, shutting down roads, and causing deadly destruction. A woman was killed when a tree crushed her car in Philadelphia, flights were grounded, trains delayed, and thousands remain in the dark as crews scramble to repair the damage.
Widespread Power Outages
Powerful winds up to 60 miles per hour knocked out electricity for 126,000 PECO customers at its peak, with 42,210 still without power as of 11:45 a.m. Monday, according to the company. PECO reported 1,642…
2 Court Staffers Tampered With, Stole By Records, Montco DA Says
Two longtime Montgomery County court employees are accused of stealing thousands of dollars in cash payments for traffic and parking violations while altering court records to cover their tracks, prosecutors announced on Wednesday, Feb. 12.
Lisa Anne Shopa, 58, of Havertown, and Patricia Althouse, 54, of Ardmore, worked at Magisterial District Court 38-1-07 in Lower Merion Township, where they allegedly manipulated payment records and pocketed fines, Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele said in a release.
The alleged thefts surfaced during an internal review that began in S…
Lebanon Police Nab Philly Man Wanted For VA Outlet Heist, Hershey Burglary: Police
A Philadelphia man accused of a multi-state smash-and-grab spree spanning Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey has been arrested after allegedly burglarizing multiple outlet stores, stealing tens of thousands of dollars in merchandise, and driving a stolen car, authorities announced on Tuesday, Feb. 11.
Timothy Eugene Root, 58, was charged with felony burglary, felony theft, felony retail theft, misdemeanor criminal mischief, misdemeanor possession of an instrument of crime, and receiving stolen property, police said.
Derry Township officers responded to the Polo Ralph Lauren…
Death Row Inmate Tam Le, Who Murdered Brothers, Found Dead In Pennsylvania Prison
Tam Le, a convicted murderer sentenced to death for the brutal killings of two Philadelphia brothers, was found unresponsive in his cell at the State Correctional Institution at Phoenix, officials announced on Wednesday, Feb. 5.
SCI Phoenix Superintendent Joseph Terra said prison staff and medical personnel attempted life-saving measures, but Le, 53, was pronounced dead at 7:23 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025.
Le was sentenced to death in December 2016 for the 2014 killings of brothers Vu “Kevin” Huynh, 31, and Viet Huynh, 28. Authorities said Le, a member of the Vietnamese gang "Born to Kill…
Stalker Who Cut Power, Sent Vulgar Gifts To PA Women Sentenced: DA
A man who stalked women in Bucks and Lehigh counties by attaching GPS trackers to their vehicles, sending obscene gifts, and breaking into a home has been sentenced to prison, authorities announced on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025.
Matthew Bustin, 33, of King of Prussia, was sentenced to five to 24 months in county prison with three years of probation after pleading guilty to Stalking – Repeatedly Committing Acts to Cause Fear in Lehigh County on Nov. 7, 2024, according to District Attorney Gavin P. Holihan.
Prosecutors had sought a state prison sentence, but Judge James T. Anthony handed down the s…
PA Accountant Stole $43K From Softball Non-Profit; While Raising $25K+ From GoFundMe: DA
A North Wales man is accused of stealing over $43,000 from a youth baseball and softball organization while serving as its vice president of finance, Montgomery County officials announced Tuesday, Feb. 4.
Christopher Pekula, 49, was charged with multiple felonies, including Theft by Unlawful Taking and Theft by Deception, following an investigation into his handling of the Montgomery Township Baseball and Softball Association's (MTBSA) finances. The alleged thefts took place from October 2018 to October 2023, authorities said.
The investigation began on April 8, 2024, when new board members…
PA Inmate’s $15K Plot To Kill Ex Using Instagram Foiled: Affidavit
A Montgomery County Correctional Facility (MCCF) inmate and a Norristown man are accused of orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot targeting the inmate’s former girlfriend, Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele announced on Thursday, Jan. 30.
Zunir Wilson-Walker, 22, and Jadan Uriah Jones, 20, are charged with criminal solicitation of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, and criminal use of a communications facility. Wilson-Walker faces additional charges, including terroristic threats, stalking, simple assault, and strangulation related to his ex-girlfr…
PA Murder Suspects Ran Sophisticated Gun Trafficking Ring Using 3-D Printers: DA
Eight suspects, including three Philadelphia-area men charged with murder, are accused of running a 3D-printed gun trafficking ring connected to a fatal shooting on Meredith Road in the Wynnewood section of Lower Merion Township, authorities said.
The December 9, 2024, killing was just one piece of a sprawling illegal firearms operation carried out by Charles Fulforth, 41, of Jenkintown; Kelvin Roberts, 42, of Philadelphia; Jeremy Fuentes, 26, of Philadelphia; Aaron Hiller, 24; Marcus Lee Jackson, 33; Jonathan Rodriguez, 26; Corry K. Simpson, 38; and Frances Staten, 38, according to Montgome…
Manhunt Ends! Third Murder Suspect Arrested 1 Month After PA Home Invasion
A third suspect has been arrested in connection with the deadly Lower Merion home invasion that left one man dead and his mother critically injured, Montgomery County officials announced Friday, Jan. 24.
Jeremy Fuentes, 26, of Philadelphia, is charged with second-degree murder, conspiracy to commit robbery, and conspiracy to commit burglary for his alleged role in the Dec. 8, 2024, attack that killed 25-year-old Andrew Gaudio and severely injured his mother, 61-year-old Bernadette Gaudio.
Prosecutors allege Fuentes, an employee of Junkluggers, provided key information about the Gaudios' h…
$200K Forged Jason Kelce Memorabilia Scheme Lands Trio Charges: MontCo DA
Three individuals face 60 felony charges after allegedly forging and selling fake memorabilia purportedly signed by former Eagles star Jason Kelce, Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele announced on Thursday, Jan. 23.
Robert Capone, 51, of Philadelphia; LeeAnn Branco, 43, of Bristol, Rhode Island; and Joseph Parenti, 39, of Cranston, Rhode Island, are accused of conspiring to sell counterfeit sports memorabilia, including jerseys, helmets, and photographs, falsely certified as signed by Jason Kelce. The fraudulent scheme caused financial losses exceeding $200,000, authorities said…
Emaciated Son Found Dead In PA, Parents, Sister Charged
Montgomery County authorities are searching for Vernon Hatchett, who is accused of neglecting and abusing his 21-year-old son, Tylim Hatchett, to death, officials announced Friday, Jan. 17.
Vernon Hatchett also known as Khaliyl Ward, 39, of Glenside, is wanted on multiple charges, including neglect of a care-dependent person and involuntary manslaughter, in the death of his son, Tylim, who was found emaciated and deceased in a Dresher apartment on Sept. 18, 2024, Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele said.
Tylim, who had cerebral palsy and was entirely dependent on caregivers, …
FL Man Who Voted In Multiple PA Counties Sentenced: Usdoj
A Montgomery County man who registered and voted in multiple Pennsylvania counties and Florida has been sentenced for election fraud, federal authorities announced on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025.
Philip C. Pulley, 62, of Huntington Valley, was sentenced to three years of probation, 100 hours of community service—including 50 hours with an organization promoting free and fair elections—a \$9,500 fine, and a \$400 special assessment by Chief United States District Court Judge Mitchell S. Goldberg, according to U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero.
Pulley was also ordered to write a letter explaining…
PA State Police Corporal Has Thousands Of Ai-generated Pornography On Work Computer: AG
A Pennsylvania State Police Corporal is accused of storing thousands of pornographic files—including AI-generated “deepfakes”—on his work computer, Attorney General Michelle Henry announced on Thursday, Jan. 9.
Stephen M. Kamnik, 38, of Havertown, was stationed at Troop K in Schwenksville, Montgomery County, when investigators seized a hard drive containing the files, Henry detailed in a release.
The cache reportedly included thousands of pornographic images, some of which were created using software to produce “deepfakes,” or artificial images and videos based on a person’s photos or video…
6 To 8 Inches Of Snow Could Fall In Parts Of NJ, PA: Here's The Latest Winter Storm Forecast
The first significant snowstorm of 2025 is expected to hit the region Sunday night, Jan 5, bringing up to 8 inches of snow to parts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, according to the National Weather Service.
The storm is expected to begin late Sunday night, continuing through Monday, Jan. 6 before tapering off into Monday night.
Snow accumulations are forecast across the region, with the highest totals predicted in South Jersey (Vineland, Atlantic City, Cape May) and Philadelphia, where snowfall could reach 6 to 8 inches, new weather maps show.
Greater Philadelphia could see 3 t…
Emaciated Son Found Dead In PA, Parents, Sister Charged
Three family members face charges in the death of a 21-year-old man with cerebral palsy after he was found severely neglected in Upper Dublin, authorities announced on Tuesday, Dec. 31,.
Sherrilynn Hawkins, 42, of Dresher, Loretta Harris, 45, of Philadelphia, and Vernon Hatchett, 39, of Glenside, are accused of neglecting Tylim Hatchett, leading to his death on Sept. 18, 2024, Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele and Upper Dublin Police Chief Francis Wheatley said.
Police were called to an apartment complex in Dresher that evening for an unresponsive person. Officers arrived …
State Employee Stole $130K From Mom Who Killed Both Her Sons In Pennsylvania: DA
A Philadelphia woman stole over $130,000 from a former Norristown State Hospital resident who was convicted of murdering her two young sons, using the funds for personal expenses, including a Puerto Rico vacation, officials announced on Monday, Dec. 23.
Bridget Nicole Compton, 51, is accused of stealing $132,480.01 from the TD Ameritrade account of Trinh Nguyen, a former Norristown State Hospital resident, officials in Bucks County, PA said. Nguyen is currently serving two life sentences for fatally shooting her sons, 13-year-old Jeffrey “JT” Tini and 9-year-old Nelson Tini, in their Upper M…
Nine Puppies Abandoned In Box At Park Rescued By PA SPCA
Nine four-week-old puppies were found abandoned in a box at Merion Gateway Park in Montgomery County earlier this week, Pennsylvania SPCA officials announced.
The puppies, left out in the cold and unable to fend for themselves, were reportedly caked in feces, suffering from urine scalding, and in desperate need of care, according to a release from the organization.
“These puppies were given a heartbreaking start, but they now have a chance at a better life,” the SPCA wrote in a social media post.
Upon their arrival at the shelter, the puppies were gently bathed, medically examined, and…
Couple Married 63 Years Killed In Crash Lands High PA Driver Homicide Charge: DA
A Harleysville man is facing homicide by vehicle charges after a DUI crash killed a beloved Hatfield Township couple who had been married for 63 years, Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele and Hatfield Township Police Chief William J. Tierney announced Thursday, Dec. 19.
Michael Lennon, 21, was arrested following the June 8, crash at the intersection of Bergey Road and Bethlehem Pike, which left Jaime Burgos, 86, and Eva Burgos, 79, fatally injured, officials said.
The couple, who were married in 1961, were remembered for their devotion to family and their community. Jaime, a…
2nd Suspect Arrested In Murder Of Lower Merion Man During Home Invasion
Kelvin Roberts, 42, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in the fatal Lower Merion home invasion that left Andrew Gaudio dead and his mother, Bernadette Gaudio, critically injured, Montgomery County officials announced on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024.
Roberts, of Philadelphia, was taken into custody by Upper Moreland Police after arriving at his workplace, Junkluggers in Willow Grove. He was in possession of a loaded 9mm semi-automatic handgun at the time of his arrest, authorities said.
Roberts and his co-defendant, Charles Fulforth, 41, are accused of carrying out the violen…
PA School Failed To Stop Sexual Assault Of Faculty Member’s Child By Coach’s Son: Lawsui
An elite Pennsylvania boarding school allowed a basketball coach’s 12-year-old son to repeatedly sexually abuse a faculty member’s 7-year-old child due to failed safety measures and administrative negligence, a newly filed lawsuit claims.
The lawsuit, filed Monday, Dec. 16, in Montgomery County Court, names the and its Head of School, Mark Devey, as defendants. It alleges the school ignored glaring security hazards and failed to act on numerous reports of faulty doors, locks, and cameras—conditions that enabled the abuse.
The complaint, brought by the child’s mother under the pseudonym…
Man Arrested, Another At Large In Fatal PA Home Invasion: DA
A second suspect has been charged in a deadly home invasion in Lower Merion that left a man dead and his mother fighting for her life, Montgomery County authorities announced Thursday, Dec. 12.
Charles Fulforth, 41, of Jenkintown, was arrested for second-degree murder, robbery, and burglary after detectives linked him to the Dec. 8 attack that claimed the life of 25-year-old Andrew Gaudio and critically injured his mother, 61-year-old Bernadette Gaudio.
Fulforth, a Junkluggers employee, worked with Kelvin Roberts, 42, of Philadelphia, who remains at large, police say. Roberts was charged ea…
Mom, Son Shot In PA Home Invasion; Manhunt Underway, DA Says
A manhunt is underway for Kelvin Roberts, 42, who is accused of killing a young man and critically injuring his mother during a violent home invasion in Lower Merion Township, Montgomery County authorities announced on Monday, Dec. 9.
The deadly attack happened around 2:22 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, on Meredith Road in the Wynnewood section of Lower Merion Township. Police said Roberts broke into the home with at least one accomplice, firing multiple rounds and killing 25-year-old Andrew Gaudio. His mother, 61-year-old Bernadette Gaudio, was left critically injured after being shot mul…
$100K Winning Powerball Ticket Sold In Pennsylvania
A Powerball ticket worth $100,000 was sold at a Wawa in Montgomery County for the Monday, Dec. 2 drawing, the Pennsylvania Lottery announced on Tuesday, Dec. 3.
The ticket, purchased with the Power Play option, matched four of the five white balls—3, 9, 26, 61, 67—and the red Powerball 13, doubling its winnings to $100,000. Without Power Play, the ticket would have been worth $50,000, lottery officials said.
The lucky ticket was sold at the Wawa located at 934 Main St. in Royersford, earning the retailer a $500 bonus for selling the winning ticket.
The winner has not yet claimed the prize,…
PA Man Faces 86 Charges For Raping 4 Children Over 9 Years: Affidavit
A Hatfield man has been charged with 50 felonies and 36 misdemeanors related to the alleged sexual abuse of four minors across Montgomery County, authorities announced on Thursday, Nov. 21.
Resul Mustafa Ozdemir, 26, of Pinegrove Avenue in Hatfield Township, was arraigned on the charges and jailed on $500,000 cash bail, according to court records.
The charges against Ozdemir include five felony counts each of rape by forcible compulsion, rape via threat of forcible compulsion, rape of a child, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse by forcible compulsion, involuntary deviate sexual intercou…
PA SCI Inmate Charged With First-Degree Murder For Cellmate's Death: DA
An inmate at SCI Phoenix has been charged with First-Degree Murder after allegedly killing his cellmate earlier this month, Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele announced Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024.
Nathan Blose, 40, is accused of murdering 45-year-old Shaun Harden, who was found dead in their shared cell at the Montgomery County correctional facility on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, at 5:55 a.m., according to officials.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, Pennsylvania State Police were contacted by Captain Eddie Hodrick of the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections after Harden’…
