Chester County District Attorney's Office

PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE AWARDS On August 29, 2024, the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) held their annual department awards ceremony located at LCBC Manheim. The event was focused on honoring those who showed courage, dedication, and commitment to protecting Pennsylvania communities and community members. Chester County Assistant District Attorney Jessica Acito and former Chester County Deputy District Attorney Michelle Thurstlic-O’Neil were both recipients of awards, alongside many Chester County Detectives. We commend all those who were award recipients and thank them for their continued dedicated efforts to protect the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Today marks a day of remembrance for those who were injured or who passed during the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001. We will #NeverForget.

FIRST RESPONDERS’ APPRECIATION NIGHT Last Friday, members of the District Attorney’s Office and the Chester County Detectives attended the Phoenixville First Responders Appreciation Night and Community BBQ event. This event allowed first responders, community members and local businesses to enjoy a night of fun together, while also providing resources to Chester County residents. Thank you to all those who organized and aided with the event!

END OF THE DAO SOFTBALL SEASON The season ended last night for the members of the DAO’s softball team against the Chester County Bar Association (CCBA). The team finished the season with a record of 4-2 and made it through playoffs beating the Chester County Public Defender’s Office. The team participated in two exciting Championship Games last night, against the CCBA team. Congratulations to all teams who participated in the Chester County Softball League, and a big thank you to all our wonderful supporters!

NIGHT OF LIGHT Last night, the Chester County Department of Drug & Alcohol Services and their partners held a “Night of Light” event to recognize International Overdose Awareness Day. This event was held to remember the lives lost to overdoses, reduce the stigma surrounding overdoses and drug-related deaths, and acknowledge the grief felt by those who have lost a loved one. We thank everyone who came together to honor lives lost to substance use disorders, support those in need, and spread hope.

EMERGENCY RESPONDERS’ NIGHT IN WEST CHESTER Last night, members from the District Attorney’s Office and the Chester County Detectives attended the West Chester Emergency Responders Night alongside other law enforcement, first responders, and community members. Thank you to everyone who came to say hello and enjoy this wonderful evening of fun!

CHESTER COUNTY CALLS FOR CHILD TORTURE LAW Chester County District Attorney Christopher L. de Barrena-Sarobe and First Assistant District Attorney Erin O’Brien recently published an article that describes the need for a new child torture law to be adopted in Pennsylvania. To read more please visit the Daily Local: https://shorturl.at/JGsV9

GUN SAFETY TRAINING Please see below for information about a free training session offered by the Chester County Sheriff’s Office and the Chester County District Attorney’s Office.

ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS’ DAY Today, we celebrate the incredible work done by the administrative professionals who work in the Chester County District Attorney’s Office. Their dedication and diligence help to keep our office running smoothly and efficiently every day. Thank you to those individuals who truly are the backbone of the office!

YOUTH & LAW ENFORCEMENT SYMPOSIUM The Chester County District Attorney’s Office hosted the Youth & Law Enforcement Symposium at the Justice Center on April 18, 2024. Each symposium offers dozens of students and teachers from across Chester County the opportunity to meet with local and state law enforcement for discussions on the criminal justice system, juvenile programs, and ways to bridge relationships between the community and police. The day’s events included an overview of both the District Attorney’s and Detectives Offices’ given by DA Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe and Chief County Detective Dave Sassa, and an introduction given by the Chester County Commissioners. Shaneen Paskings, from the Pennsylvania DMC Youth/Law Enforcement Corp, and her team led panel discussions, break-outs sessions, and role-playing scenarios. Students came from: Coatesville Area High School, Downingtown East/West/STEM, West Chester Henderson/Rustin/East, Oxford Area School District, Technical College High School (TCHS), Malvern Preparatory School, Devon Preparatory School, Church Farm School, Collegium Charter, and Renaissance Academy Charter School. Law enforcement attendees included West Brandywine Police Department, Chester County Detectives, City of Coatesville Police Department, Downingtown Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), Southern Chester County Regional Police Department, Tredyffrin Township Police Department, West Caln Township Police Department, West Chester Borough Police Department, West Chester University Police Department, West Goshen Township Police Department, and Willistown Township Police Department. We would also like to thank Chris Saello, President and CEO of the United Way of Chester County, for their continued contributions that support these impactful events. Thank you to everyone who participated and planned this wonderful event!