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$700K Gold, Bitcoin Theft: ‘PayPal’ Poser From NJ Scams Elderly PA Man, DA Says
A slick con artist posing as a PayPal agent scammed a 74-year-old Pennsylvania man out of nearly $700,000 in gold and cryptocurrency, authorities revealed on Friday, Feb. 28.
Hirtik Hemchand Khatri, 24, of Lawrence Township, New Jersey, allegedly orchestrated a high-stakes fraud that convinced the victim to empty his savings, fearing he’d be arrested if he didn’t comply, Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin P. Holihan and Whitehall Township Police Chief Michael Marks said.
Khatri, who twice showed up at the victim’s home in a Mercedes-Benz to collect hundreds of thousands of dollars in gol…
Suspended Attorney Stole Clients Cash In NJ, PA Real Estate Scam: DA
A suspended real estate attorney is accused of stealing tens of thousands of dollars from clients in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, prosecutors announced on Monday, Feb. 24.
James "Jim" J. Vassallo Jr., 55, of Voorhees, New Jersey, was arrested for misappropriating funds while handling a Downingtown, Pennsylvania, home purchase in early 2023, the Chester County District Attorney’s Office said. Despite having his Pennsylvania law license suspended since August 2018, Vassallo allegedly continued to act as an attorney, taking money from his clients under false pretenses.
The victims wired funds …
Father-Son Duo From MD, MA Used VA Housing Authority Card For PA Hotel Stay: PSP
A Maryland man used a housing authority's credit card to book an extended hotel stay in Pennsylvania, state police announced.
Patrick Rooney, 47, is accused of using a credit card belonging to the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority to pay for two rooms at the Springhill Suites in Unity Township for a week, Pennsylvania State Police said in a release on Tuesday, Feb. 19.
The alleged fraud came just days after Rooney and his son, Thomas Rooney, had an encounter with state troopers, authorities said.
Last month, Thomas Rooney, of Massachusetts, was arrested after he was accused …
PA Optician Accused Of Offering Free Glasses For Sex: Police
A Delaware County optician is facing a slew of serious charges, including rape, sexual assault, and false imprisonment, after allegedly offering free eyeglasses in exchange for sex, authorities said.
Brian Thomas Steiner, 40, of Glenolden, was arrested following an investigation into allegations that he solicited sex from customers at Philly Vision Care in Folcroft, according to court documents.
Police say Steiner admitted to engaging in or receiving sexual acts inside the business at least 30 times in exchange for waiving co-pays and fees.
He has been charged with felony rape, involuntary…
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…
Philly Man Steals $10K In Jackets From Hershey Outlet, Caught In Stolen Car In Lebanon: 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…
Man Found Living In Bathroom, Busted With Stolen Phone: Manheim Twp Police
A Lancaster man accused of repeatedly using a building’s bathroom as a living space was caught trespassing—and later found with a stolen phone, authorities announced on Friday, Feb. 7.
Gerald A. Brown, 66, was arrested on Saturday, Jan. 26, after Manheim Township police responded to reports of trespassing at a property on the 900 block of North Queen Street, according to a release.
A witness told officers that six individuals had been illegally using the bathroom as a makeshift residence for months, police said. Upon arrival, officers encountered four people trying to leave the premises, in…
Trio Of Children Steal $1.5K In Vapes From Shippensburg Store, PA State Police Chambersburg Say
A group of young teens broke into a Shippensburg store and made off with $1,500 worth of vape pens, Pennsylvania State Police announced on Sunday, Feb. 9.
The burglary occurred on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, at the Asian Express Mart on the 300 block of S Fayette Street in Southampton Township, police said.
The suspects, two 13-year-old boys and one 14-year-old boy, allegedly targeted the store during the early morning hours, taking high-value vape products, investigators revealed.
Surveillance footage and evidence collected at the scene are part of the ongoing investigation, according to PSP C…
$40K In Eggs Stolen From Distribution Trailer: PA State Police
Amid the avian flu outbreak, authorities are investigating the theft of "high-value goods" from a Pennsylvania business, State Police announced on Tuesday, Feb. 4.
Approximately 100,000 organic eggs, valued at $40,000, were stolen from a distribution trailer at Pete and Gerry's Organics in Antrim Township, according to PSP Chambersburg.
The theft occurred sometime overnight on Saturday, Feb. 1, at the Commerce Avenue facility, troopers detailed in the release.
Investigators are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact PSP Chambersburg at 717-264-5161.
Attempted Rape, Burglaries By Lancaster Parolee Lead To State Prison Sentence
A Lancaster man who broke into two homes on the same day, attempting to rape one of the residents, has been sentenced to state prison, the Lancaster District Attorney’s Office announced on Monday, Jan. 27.
Mohamed Camara, 33, of the 500 block of St. Joseph Street, was sentenced to 6.5 to 15 years in state prison by Judge Thomas Sponaugle after pleading guilty on Friday to burglary, attempted rape, aggravated indecent assault, indecent assault, and theft by unlawful taking, according to the DA’s office.
Camara had recently been released on parole for a prior burglary conviction when he commi…
$29K Counterfeit Check In Kennett Square Borough's Account Leads To Arrest Years Later: Police
A Kennett Square man accused of attempting to deposit a $29,950 counterfeit check "against Kennett Square Borough's internal financial accounts" has been arrested, police announced on Tuesday, Jan. 28.
Nathaniel Tyree Curtis, 30, was taken into custody by the Kennett Square Police Department on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, after being transported from Philadelphia to Chester County Prison. The arrest followed an investigation into an attempted fraudulent deposit that targeted Kennett Square Borough’s financial accounts, police said.
Curtis allegedly deposited an altered check worth $29,950…
CT Couple Killed In PA Hit-And-Run; Driver Sentenced To Up To 56 Years
A Pennsylvania man was sentenced to 26 years, nine months to 56 years, 10 months in state prison for causing the high-speed hit-and-run crash that killed a Connecticut couple in Bucks County last February.
John Thomas Wadlinger Jr., 32, of Bensalem, received the sentence from Common Pleas Judge C. Theodore Fritsch on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, at the Bucks County Justice Center. He was also ordered to pay $14,971.11 in restitution and $8,100 in fines for the crash that killed Rebecca Whiddon, 33, and her husband Richard Whiddon, 37, both of Brooklyn, CT.
Crash And Aftermath
On Feb. 24, 2024, Wa…
$8K Convenience Store Burglary In Steelton: Police
A burglar caused over $8,000 in damages and theft at a Steelton convenience store, police announced.
The break-in occurred at Raja Quick Pick Mart, located at 441 South Front Street, around 4:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, according to Steelton Borough Police.
The suspect forced their way into the store, damaging the entrance and stealing items, authorities said.
The total loss, including the stolen goods and damages, exceeded $8,000, police detailed.
Anyone with information about the suspect or the incident is urged to contact Steelton police. Tips can be submitted by calling 717-939…
Fence Cut, $70K Stolen From Storage Units In Lower Allen Township: Police
Two men cut through a fence and stole $70,000 from storage units in Lower Allen Township, police said. One of the suspects, Daniel James Brown, has been arrested, authorities announced on Wednesday, Jan. 15.
Daniel James Brown, 25, was taken into custody after the Lower Allen Township Police served a warrant for his arrest on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2024, according to police records.
Brown, along with co-suspect Matthew Reiff, allegedly targeted storage units at the U-Haul on 4725 Gettysburg Road on Friday, June 16, 2023, police said.
Management at the facility reported that locks were cut f…
Nearly $15K Stolen From Housing Assistance Program By PA Woman: Chesco DA
A Thorndale woman is accused of stealing nearly $15,000 from a Chester County non-profit dedicated to aiding families facing housing insecurity, the District Attorney’s Office announced on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2025.
Patricia Ginter, 56, allegedly submitted a fraudulent application to the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) in September 2023, intentionally omitting over $60,000 in household income to qualify for COVID-related eviction relief, according to the Chester County Detectives’ criminal complaint. Ginter’s deception resulted in her receiving $14,617 in federal funds meant for strug…
$30K In Goods Stolen From Lancaster Storage Units, Two Men Charged: Police
Two Lancaster men have been charged in connection with a string of burglaries at Moove In Self Storage locations where more than $30,000 worth of items were stolen, police announced on Wednesday, Jan. 10.
Timothy Brad Mauldin, 33, and Alfredo Maldonado-Gonzalez, 42, face multiple burglary and trespass charges after incidents at storage units on New Danville Pike and Vermont Avenue in July and August 2024, according to Manheim Township police.
Officers responded five times to the storage facilities during those months, finding locks cut and valuables such as a motorcycle, television, jewelry…
PA Mom, Daughter Stole $4.4M Inheritance To Buy New Homes, Luxury SUV: Prosecutors
A Jeannette mother and daughter were accused of a scheme to steal a multimillion-dollar inheritance from a relative’s estate, authorities said.
Lisa Valesky, 51, and Angela Valesky, 26, were charged with theft and dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity, the Westmoreland County District Attorney's Office said in a news release on Thursday, Jan. 9.
A county detective was contacted by an attorney regarding the disbursement of funds from the estate of a woman who was a former president of Greensburg Beverage Distributor. She died in 2017, leaving significant assets to her heirs but …
'You Have A Nice Gun' Robbery In Park Leads To Arrest Of Victim's Relative: Manheim Twp PD
A Lancaster man has been arrested for his alleged role in the December robbery of a Glock 19 handgun in a park, police announced on Wednesday, Jan. 10.
Sid-Dare Jha Kly Trowery, 20, was charged with Robbery and Theft by Unlawful Taking in connection with the Dec. 29, 2024, incident on the 300 block of Dickens Drive in Lancaster, police said.
The charges stem from the same park robbery involving Julien E. Murrey, who turned himself earlier in the week and was released on $50,000 unsecured bail, as previously reported by the Daily Voice.
According to a criminal complaint, the victim…
‘You Have A Nice Gun’: Columbia Man Wanted For Robbery, Assault In Lancaster Park Arrested
A Columbia man accused of assaulting another person and stealing their Glock 19 in a Lancaster park has turned himself in, Manheim Township police announced on Wednesday, Jan. 8.
Julien E. Murrey, 21, was wanted for Robbery, Theft by Unlawful Taking, and Simple Assault after an alleged attack on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, on the 300 block of Dicken Drive, police said.
The victim reported being in a park when three figures dressed in black hooded clothing approached, according to the criminal complaint. One of the individuals, identified as Murrey, wore a ski mask and displayed “aggressive bod…
U.S. Attorney for Middle District of Pennsylvania Announces Resignation
Gerard M. Karam, the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, has announced his resignation, effective January 10, 2025. Appointed by President Biden in 2022, Karam described the role as "an honor of a lifetime" and expressed gratitude to federal and local law enforcement partners for their dedication to public safety and justice.
During his tenure, Karam prioritized public safety, healthcare fraud, civil rights enforcement, and tackling fraud and theft. His office prosecuted numerous high-profile cases, including:
A life sentence for a man convicted in the murder …
Chester County Man With Traumatic Brain Injury Pleads Guilty To Lancaster County Crime Spree
A Chester County man blamed a traumatic brain injury and addiction for his months-long crime spree across Lancaster County, which ended in a violent crash, prosecutors announced on Tuesday, Dec. 24.
James Steffy, 41, of West Ridge Road in West Nottingham Township, pleaded guilty to 35 charges, including aggravated assault by vehicle while driving under the influence, burglary, theft, and access device fraud, according to the Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office.
Steffy suffered a traumatic brain injury that caused significant memory loss after crashing a stolen vehicle head-on into a…
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…
$12M Medicaid Fraud Scheme By PA Home Health Care Agency Lands 20 People Charges: AG
The owner of a Bala Cynwyd-based home care agency, her daughter, and 18 others have been charged in a multi-million dollar Medicaid fraud scheme, Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry announced on Friday, Dec. 13.
Stephanie Mobley, 52, owned ComfortZone Home Health Care, LLC, a Medicaid-approved provider based in Bala Cynwyd. She, her second-in-command daughter, Naya Campbell, 29, of Audubon, and 18 others allegedly defrauded the Medicaid program by filing false reimbursement claims for services never provided, according to court documents.
All 20 defendants face charges including …
Greencastle Woman Embezzles $148K From Swimming Pool Over 7 Years: Police
A Greencastle woman is accused of embezzling over $148,000 while serving as treasurer for Moss Spring Pool, Greencastle police announced on Wednesday, Dec. 11.
Krista D. Murr, 55, was charged after investigators uncovered financial discrepancies spanning from July 2017 to July 2024, according to police.
The investigation began on July 22, 2024, when concerns were raised about irregularities in financial records and fund management. Working with the Franklin County District Attorney's Office, police discovered that $148,292.56 had been misappropriated, authorities said.
“Our department …
PA Felon Wanted For Serial Burglaries
A suspect with a history of burglary-related offenses is wanted in connection with recent residential break-ins, police in Pennsylvania announced on Tuesday, Dec. 3.
An arrest warrant has been issued for Erik Gomez, 39, originally from Flemington, NJ, and most recently from Levittown, PA, in connection with a series of residential burglaries in Lower Merion and Media Borough, police said.
The first reported incident occurred at 9:06 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 27, in the 1100 block of Maplecrest Circle in Gladwyne, Lower Merion Township. Surveillance footage captured a man entering and exiting …
