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- 🚨 Suspect Arrested in Child Predator Sting | 🚨Grandmother Faces Allegations | 🚨Parish Gift Card Theft
🚨 Suspect Arrested in Child Predator Sting | 🚨Grandmother Faces Allegations | 🚨Parish Gift Card Theft
Downingtown Local Pulse Issue #314

County-wide Burn Ban in Effect
In Today’s Edition of Downingtown Local Pulse
☀️ Downingtown PA Weather
🚨 Suspect Arrested in Child Predator Sting
🚨Grandmother Faces Allegations of Child Exploitation and Theft
🚨 Police Seek Suspect in Downingtown Parish Gift Card Theft
🚨 Vehicle Damaged in Uwchlan Township
📆 Upcoming Local Events
🔎 Local Business Finder



Florida Suspect Arrested in Chester County Child Predator Sting
PHOENIXVILLE, PA — Chester County authorities arrested a Florida man, James Patrick Richards, in a carefully executed undercover operation targeting child predators. Richards, 53, is accused of traveling to Pennsylvania with the intention of sexually assaulting a child. Posing as a caregiver for a fictional 9-year-old, an undercover detective communicated with Richards and arranged a meeting where he was apprehended.
Richards faces charges including attempted rape of a child and trafficking in persons. Investigators allege that he had previously abused a child in Florida and planned a similar crime in Chester County. He agreed to pay $300 for sexual contact and brought cash along with other incriminating items to the meeting site, where law enforcement arrested him on November 30.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities seeking to identify additional victims. Chester County detectives led the operation with assistance from the Phoenixville Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations. Richards is currently in custody on $2 million bail, and a preliminary hearing is scheduled later this month.
Chester County Grandmother Faces Allegations of Child Exploitation and Theft
CALN TWP — A Chester County woman accused of stealing $15,000 in disability funds from a special-needs teenager may face new charges, including involuntary servitude and neglect. Prosecutors allege that Patricia Ginter, 56, of Caln Township, exploited the teen for unpaid childcare while failing to provide for her basic needs. The teen, who moved in with Ginter’s family after her mother’s death, reportedly endured verbal abuse and slept on a mattress in a hallway while Ginter controlled her finances and spent the stolen funds on personal expenses, including online gaming. Ginter is already facing multiple fraud-related charges and has pleaded not guilty. A judge will consider adding the new charges in January.
Police Seek Suspect in Downingtown Parish Gift Card Theft

DOWNINGTOWN, PA — A theft at Saint Joseph's Parish in Downingtown has prompted an investigation by local police. Between October 29 and November 1, a man entered the parish and took multiple gift cards from a drop box meant to aid families experiencing financial hardship during the holiday season. The suspect was last seen driving a silver Toyota Camry, and authorities are requesting assistance from the public to identify him. The stolen gift cards were intended to provide holiday support to struggling families, making the theft a significant blow to the community. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Downingtown Police Department at 610-383-7000 or email Officer Pownall at [email protected].
Vehicle Damaged in Uwchlan Township; Authorities Seek Information
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EXTON, PA — The Uwchlan Township Police Department is investigating a report of vehicle damage that occurred in the parking lot of Goodwill Industries on Marchwood Road. The incident was reported on November 26 at 11:09 a.m., and police have released photos of a woman they believe may have information about what happened. Authorities are asking the public for help in identifying her and have provided contact details for anyone who can assist with the case. The damage occurred while the vehicle was unattended.

Upcoming Local Events…
Teddy Bear Hide & Seek at Springton Manor Farm - Dec 5th, 10am-11:30am
Candlelight Tours at Hibernia Park - Dec 6th, 5:30pm-Dec 8th, 4pm
Wallace Twp Tree Lighting - Dec 6th, 6pm
WC Christmas Parade - Dec 6th, Tree Lighting 6:30pm, Parade 7:00pm
West Bradford Breakfast w/Santa - Dec 7th, 8pm
WCU Holiday Concert - Dec 7th, 3pm
Coatesville Christmas Parade - Dec 7th
Caln Twp Tree Lighting - Dec 8th, 5pm
Steel Museum Holiday Open House and Auction - Dec 13th 5pm-8pm
Holiday at the Barn, Springton Manor Farm - Dec 14th 12:00pm-5:30pm
Farmhouse Museum Open at Upland Farm Park - Dec 29th, 1pm-4pm

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