Law enforcement highlights take center stage

D.A. recognizes those who went above, beyond in 2013 By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times Chester County Det./Lt. Kevin Dykes (left) congratulates retired Coatesville Police Det. Marty Quinn on being named Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. Amid tough talk on crime and profuse praise for crime-fighters, recipients of the Chester County District Attorney’s Office annual awards displayed...

Hogan announces new prescription drug drop off boxes

10 locations around Chester County make it easier dispose of unwanted prescriptions Various county officials inspect the medication drop box located in the Sheriff’s Office at the Chester County Justice Center, including (from left to right): Cathy Dugan from Kacie’s Cause, Lt. Kevin Dykes of the Chester County Detectives, Sheriff Carolyn B. Welsh, District Attorney Tom Hogan, State Representative...

Veteran law-enforcer returns to county roots

Sheriff selects Caln Township resident as chief deputy By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times Chester County Sheriff Carolyn “Bunny” Welsh (left) announces her selection of George P. March as chief deputy sheriff, filling a position that has been vacant since January. For the new Chester County chief deputy sheriff, the position, which was announced Wednesday, represents a repeat...

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...

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, De.; Cesar Morales Castillo,...

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 Chester...

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,” said...

D.A. calls East Fallowfield murder ‘an execution’

Defendant’s Facebook boast indicates he planned girlfriend’s shooting By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times Authorities said Jamica Woods, 37, of East Fallowfield Township, was fatally shot Tuesday by Gregory A. Twyman, 44, her longtime boyfriend. The homicide on Tuesday in East Fallowfield Township is being called “an execution” by Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan. Hogan...

D.A. calls East Fallowfield murder ‘an execution’

Defendant’s Facebook boast indicates he planned girlfriend’s shooting By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times Authorities said Jamica Woods, 37, of East Fallowfield Township, was fatally shot Tuesday by Gregory A. Twyman, 44, her longtime boyfriend. The homicide on Tuesday in East Fallowfield Township is being called “an execution” by Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan. Hogan...

Hogan: New rules invoked to protect murder witnesses

Testimony occurred before secret grand jury rather than at public hearing By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times Dominique Lee, 20, (clockwise from top left), Marquis Rayner, 23, and Camren Horne, 20, all of Coatesville, are accused in the fatal shooting of Dominique Williams in June. Instead of a preliminary hearing, three men arrested in March for a Coatesville murder were indicted...