💸 Charges in Fraud Cases | 🚨 Hidden Cameras | 🚊 New Rail Authority Chair

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💸 Thorndale Resident Faces Charges in Housing and Disability Fraud Cases

🚨📸 Man Used Hidden Cameras to Spy on Wife, Judge Calls Actions ‘Disgusting’

🚊 Moskowitz Appointed Chair of Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority

🌳 West Pikeland Seeks Public Input on Parks and Open Space Plan

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Thorndale Resident Faces Charges in Housing and Disability Fraud Cases

THORNDALE, PA — Authorities in Chester County have charged a Thorndale woman with fraud after she allegedly obtained nearly $15,000 in federal rental assistance by misrepresenting her income. Prosecutors say Patricia Ginter, 56, omitted over $60,000 in household earnings from her application for the county’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program, making herself eligible for benefits that were intended for families facing eviction.

This is the second criminal case against Ginter in less than a year. In a separate case, she is accused of stealing more than $15,000 in Social Security disability funds from a special needs high school student. That trial is set to begin next month.

Ginter was released on $20,000 unsecured bail as the investigation continues. Officials encourage anyone with information to contact Chester County Detectives. Full Story at Chester County Press

Man Used Hidden Cameras to Spy on Wife, Judge Calls Actions ‘Disgusting’

KENNETT SQUARE, PA — A Chester County man will serve five years of probation and must register as a sex offender after pleading guilty to secretly recording his wife undressing in their home near Kennett Square. Prosecutors say the man, using a hidden camera disguised as an alarm clock and a concealed Ring camera, secretly filmed his wife in their bedroom between October and December 2023.

The surveillance was exposed when the woman’s daughter unknowingly triggered a motion detector, leading her mother to investigate. Upon searching her husband’s phone, the woman discovered numerous images and videos of herself, some showing her fully or partially undressed. Authorities later confirmed that the footage had been recorded without her knowledge.

During sentencing, the judge condemned the man’s actions, questioning whether he understood the violation his wife had experienced. He was given an opportunity to apologize but refused. As part of his plea agreement, he will be prohibited from contacting his ex-wife and must remain under court supervision for five years. Full story at Daily Local

Moskowitz Appointed Chair of Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority

WEST CHESTER, PA — Chester County Commissioner Marian Moskowitz has been appointed Chair of the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority, which is overseeing efforts to restore rail service from Reading to Philadelphia. The Authority is moving into the next phase of planning, focusing on ridership forecasts, revenue analysis, and operational logistics. Montgomery County Commissioner Thomas DiBello was named Vice Chair, with other key leadership roles also filled.

West Pikeland Seeks Public Input on Parks and Open Space Plan

WEST PIKELAND TWP — West Pikeland Township is seeking community input as it develops a comprehensive plan for parks, recreation, and open space. With a Chester County grant supporting the initiative, officials are working to preserve natural resources, improve parks, and expand outdoor recreation opportunities for residents.

Currently, about 37% of the township’s land is designated as open space. The township manages three parks—Walnut Lane, Pine Creek Park, and Pickering Grove Park—along with the Bridge to Bridge Trail, which is expected to grow into a regional trail network. Residents are encouraged to participate and share their ideas on a survey posted on the township’s website.

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