🚨Gang Member Sentenced in Theft Spree | 🚲Ride For Adaptive Sports | 🎓WCU Pres To Lead State Ed

In Today’s Edition of Downingtown Local Pulse…

☀️ Downingtown PA Weather

🚨 Gang Member Sentenced in Tri-County Burglary Spree

🚴 Annual Ride and Walk Supports Athletes with Disabilities

👮 “Making Connections” Program Builds Trust Between Youth and Law Enforcement

🎓 Former WCU President to Lead State’s Public University System

🗓️ Upcoming Local Events

🏡 Just Listed Real Estate Listings

🔎 Support Local Downingtown Businesses

Chilean Theft Gang Member Sentenced in Tri-County Burglary Spree

NORRISTOWN, PA — Claudeo Fuentez-Soto, 26, a Chilean national, has been sentenced to up to 17½ years in a Pennsylvania prison for a tri-county burglary spree in 2023. As part of an organized group linked to a broader pattern of South American theft rings, Fuentez-Soto participated in at least seven burglaries across Montgomery, Chester, and Delaware counties. Investigators used cellphone data and photos found on his device to tie him to the crimes, which included ransacking homes and stealing valuables.

The burglaries caused significant psychological and financial damage, with victims reporting deep violations of privacy and safety. Fuentez-Soto was ordered to pay $395,000 in restitution. Upon completing his sentence, he will be subject to deportation proceedings. The case highlights a growing national concern over coordinated burglary operations carried out by traveling international crews. Full Story at DailyLocal.com

13th Annual Ride and Walk Supports Athletes with Disabilities

EXTON, PA — The 13th Annual Cinco de Mayo Benefit Ride and Walk returns to West Pikeland Township this spring, inviting community members to walk or ride in support of inclusive sports programming. The event not only offers scenic routes suitable for all abilities, but also serves as a celebration of perseverance and unity, spotlighting athletes with disabilities who thrive through adapted sports.

Proceeds from the event support initiatives that promote health, fitness, and community inclusion for individuals with disabilities. Organizers emphasize that participation goes beyond fundraising—it's a commitment to breaking down barriers and fostering a culture of accessibility in recreation. For more info, click here.

“Making Connections” Program Builds Trust Between Youth and Law Enforcement

DOWNINGTOWN, PA — Students at Downingtown Middle School participated in the district’s “Making Connections” program, an initiative aimed at fostering mutual understanding between youth and law enforcement. Officers from the Pennsylvania State Police and West Brandywine Police Department joined the discussion to talk about their roles and online safety, providing students with an open space to ask questions and reflect.

Organized by the Downingtown Area School District’s Office of Student Relations and School Climate, the program is part of a broader push to build stronger, more empathetic communities through conversation. School officials emphasized the value of dialogue in cultivating trust and making law enforcement more accessible to students.

Former WCU President to Lead State’s Public University System

HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education has named Christopher M. Fiorentino, a longtime academic leader and former president of West Chester University, as its new chancellor. Fiorentino had been serving in the role on an interim basis and was chosen unanimously following a national search.

With over 40 years in higher education, Fiorentino now leads a system of ten universities that serve more than 80,000 students across the state. His appointment comes during a period of uncertainty for public higher education, marked by declining numbers of high school graduates, lower college enrollment rates, and increased questions about the cost and value of a degree.

Despite these headwinds, the system has maintained a tuition freeze and doubled financial aid under Fiorentino’s leadership. He has emphasized the importance of keeping education affordable while also preparing students for a changing job market. As the system considers the future of low-enrollment majors and the possibility of program restructuring, Fiorentino is expected to steer institutions through difficult, but necessary, reforms.

130 S LLOYD AVE Downingtown ($1,690,000)

926 KINGS ARMS DR Downingtown ($625,000)

390 MARY ST Downingtown ($450,000)

Searcçh For More Homes For Sale CLICK HERE

Catch up on previous issues…