A Glen Mills man will spend 35 years behind bars for crimes related to child pornography and the sexual abuse of a toddler.
Jose Gonzalez, 34, was sentenced on Thursday, Oct. 27, in federal court on two counts of manufacturing child pornography, one count of distribution of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography, said U.S. Attorney Zane David Memeger in a press release.
The judge sentenced Gonzalez to 420 months’ incarceration and lifetime supervised release for crimes involving Gonzalez’s sexual abuse of a 2-year old. Gonzalez photographed his sexual abuse of this toddler and distributed the images over the Internet, the release said.
The investigation, conducted by the FBI with assistance from the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office, also uncovered Gonzalez’s collection of more than 19,000 images and videos of infants and toddlers being sexually assaulted that Gonzalez downloaded from the Internet, the release said.
A bill that makes strangulation, a violent form of assault seen frequently in domestic-abuse cases, a free-standing criminal offense is now the law in Pennsylvania.
Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan (from left) is joined by, State Rep. Becky Corbin, R-155, Deputy District Attorney Michelle Frei, and Dolly Wideman-Scott, executive director of the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County, to applaud the new strangulation legislation.
State Rep. Becky Corbin, R-155, who introduced the bill, was joined by Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan; Deputy District Attorney Michelle Frei, who leads domestic violence prosecutions in Chester County; and Dolly Wideman-Scott, executive director of the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County, to applaud the news.
“Medical experts and police describe strangulation as an especially cruel form of assault,” said Corbin in a press release. “Victims can slip in and out of consciousness, experiencing fear and terror each time they regain consciousness until the attacker relents. It is a crime most often carried out by someone who knows the victim intimately. Pennsylvania has now joined 35 other states in recognizing strangulation as the violent crime it truly is.”
Hogan explained that the law gives prosecutors and police another tool to fight domestic violence. “Choking a victim is a red flag for extreme violence. However, such cases historically were difficult to prosecute because the conduct often does not leave visible injuries, despite both the life-threatening result and the psychological harm inflicted on the victim,” Hogan said in the release.
Because strangulation did not fit into existing criminal categories in Pennsylvania, offenders were often charged with a low-level misdemeanor that did not reflect the serious nature of the crime. “This legislation closes that loop-hole,” Hogan said.
The bill makes it a crime to apply pressure to the throat or neck of a victim, or to otherwise block the nose and mouth of the victim. The offense is a felony if: (1) the victim is a family or household member; (2) the defendant is subject to a protection-from-abuse order related to the victim; (3) the defendant has a previous strangulation conviction; or (4) multiple other factors. If none of the aggravating factors apply, the offense is a misdemeanor, the release said.
The legislation’s history began when Frei, who had seen repeated examples of strangulation as a precursor to more extreme violence, was handling the prosecution of James Hvizda, whose longstanding abuse of his wife escalated to a fatal stabbing in March 2012 in Upper Uwchlan Township. The Domestic Violence Center and the District Attorney’s Office began to implement the Lethality Assessment Program, a tool used in domestic violence situations to gauge the level of danger to the victims by asking a series of questions.
One of the specific red flags raised by LAP is prior choking or strangulation of the victim by the defendant. Simply put, if the defendant has been choking the victim, the defendant is moving along a path to extreme violence, including a potential murder, the release said.
Frei then began to research strangulation legislation. She found that over 30 other states already had passed strangulation legislation. She then drafted a proposed strangulation statute for Pennsylvania and approached Corbin, a strong advocate for crime victims who agreed to sponsor the bill, the release said.
Through Corbin’s efforts, the strangulation bill eventually garnered bipartisan support. The Pennsylvania House approved the bill by a vote of 184 to 3, and the Pennsylvania Senate voted 50 to 0 in favor of the bill. Gov. Wolf signed the bill into law on Wednesday, Oct. 26.
Wideman-Scott expressed gratitude to Corbin on behalf of victims. “Domestic violence victims come to us damaged both physically and emotionally,” Wideman-Scott said in the release. “Over and over again, we see choking as part of this horrible pattern of abuse.”
Corbin said her hope was that many potential victims would be protected. “At the end of the day, this legislation is about saving lives,” she said in the release. “If this bill protects a single victim from being hurt or killed, it will have been worth all of the effort.”
After a four-year respite, Chester County taxpayers will see their county taxes increase if a preliminary budget remains unchanged.
At the Chester County Board of Commissioners’ meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 26, the commissioners reviewed figures that showed that the owner of a $166,630 home — the median assessed value in the county — would pay a projected bill of $728.01, a hike of $34.33.
That figure represents a .206 mill – from 4.163 to 4.369 mills – or a 4.95 percent increase. (A mill is a tax of $1 for every $1,000 of a property’s assessed value.)
The proposed budget will be presented to the public at a meeting on Thursday, Nov. 17, at 7:30 p.m. It will be held in the commissioners’ boardroom on the sixth floor of the county offices building at 313 West Market Street in West Chester.
The preliminary numbers show a total budget of $548 million in operating and capital expenses, up from $545 million in 2016. Chief Operating Officer Mark Rupsis explained that some of the budget challenges included dealing with rising costs for public safety and health care as well as maintaining county buildings, fund balances, and Landscapes3, the county’s comprehensive plan.
In addition, projections show that the federal and state grant revenue budget will decrease in 2017 by more than $5.7 million, and tax base growth is expected to dip to 0.73 percent from 0.87 percent in 2016.
Chester County, one of the nation’s wealthiest counties, has retained one of the lowest tax rates in southeastern Pennsylvania. In 2016 the county became one of fewer than 40 counties in the country to receive the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for the 25th year in a row. The award recognizes exemplary budget practices that serve as a model.
In 2016, the county also received three separate triple-A bond ratings, the 10th year for maintaining the highest possible rating status. Chester County is the only county in Pennsylvania that holds the three triple-A rating distinctions and is one of just 43 counties nationwide, according to county officials.
With a unanimous vote by Chadds Ford Township supervisors, the fourth and final segment of the loop road system around the intersection of Routes 1 and 202 is on its way to becoming a reality.
Supervisors voted 3-0 during their Oct. 26 workshop to grant preliminary approval for the Hillman Drive extension. The applicant — The Henderson Group — must still go through the process of getting final approval, but Wednesday’s vote clears the way for that to happen.
As township solicitor Mike Maddren said, “Preliminary approval only approves the concept, not the details. That happens at final approval.”
Chuck Olivo, the engineer on the project, said it could be another year before final approval. Plans need to be fully engineered and reviewed by the Planning Commission first. After a recommendation from the commission, the plan then goes back to the supervisors for final approval before work can begin. Final plans must also meet the recommendations of PennDOT, the township engineer and the township land planner.
Mark Eisenhardt, vice president of Henderson, said the actual construction would take about 120 days. If that timetable for final approval and construction holds true, the road could be open for traffic in early to mid 2018.
Prior to Wednesday’s vote, Supervisors’ Chairman Frank Murphy echoed previous comments by Clark Hoffman, president of the Painters’ Crossing Condominium Association, that if Henderson didn’t do the job, PennDOT would.
He also said that input from the residents of the condominiums and The Estates at Chadds Ford “made this a better plan, something we can live with,” and added, “There’s a lot still left to be worked out…but this seems like the best we’re going to get.”
The work that needs to be done is for Henderson to come up with a fully engineered plan that meets a number of conditions. Among those conditions are the engineering an 8-foot high, 300-foot long sound-attenuating fence with landscaping that would reduce sound and light pollution reaching the eastern-most building at the condominiums.
Another condition, which came as a late wrinkle to be ironed out, is to determine the best way to calm traffic on Hillman Drive at its intersection with Evergreen Place, the lone access point to and from The Estates at Chads Ford.
The current proposal shows a roundabout to be installed at that intersection, but the new condition calls for the consideration of a raised intersection instead of the roundabout.
Which approach will be used will be made at a future meeting, possibly during the board’s November workshop. Supervisors want to get input from PennDOT and from the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District Transportation Department.
A raised intersection — 3 to 6 inches high and with a four-way stop sign — would also change one of the other aspects of the design.
Currently, with the roundabout planned for Evergreen, traffic on Dickinson Drive would be prevented from turning left onto Hillman toward Route 202. That traffic would instead be required to turn right, then negotiate the roundabout and make a 360-degree turn before getting to the highway. There would be no turn restrictions should the raised intersection option be used.
Other parts of the proposal are unchanged. Traffic would be prevented from turning left from Dickinson onto southbound Route 1, and the intersections of Hillman at 1 and at 202 would be widened so that traffic going to those state roads would have three lanes, one lane each for left turns, right turns and straight through traffic.
Eisenhardt has said several times that Henderson would fund the cost of the project, that no tax money would be used. “It will be on our nickel,” he said.
Hillman Drive currently runs through The Henderson Group-owned Chadds Ford Business Campus from Route 202 — between William Bunch Auctions and the Goddard School — to just beyond Evergreen Place.
The extension would bring Hillman up beside Painters Crossing Condominiums and Brandywine Views Antiques (formerly known as the Dickinson building) where it would intersect with Route 1 across from Brandywine Drive where there’s a traffic light.
The loop road system has been discussed for more than 30 years. State Farm Drive, at the northeast side of the intersection in Concord Township, was the first loop segment completed.
Brandywine Drive, at the northwest section in Chadds Ford Township, was second. That was opened to the public after the township took dedication in 2003.
Applied Bank Boulevard, at the southeast of the intersection across from Hillman Drive, was opened last year as part of the Wegmans’ development.
Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.
Come meet all the wonderful animals available now for adoption at the Brandywine Valley SPCA. All featured pets are “Name Your Price” adoption fee until Monday, Oct. 31. Not ready to adopt? Then sponsor a pet and provide a safe place for our companions to rest until they find their forever homes. Help us give them a second chance at a fresh start.
Happy Feet
HAPPY FEET
Hello Friends! My name is Happy Feet and I arrived at the Brandywine Valley SPCA as a stray. I’m a little shorty, an adorable brindle and white girl with dancing feet when I am excited, which is how I got my name! I’m a little bundle of energy who is looking for an adopter who can keep pace with me, but I do walk well on a leash, so we can enjoy some nice strolls each day. Maybe we could go on runs together, have a spirited game of fetch or hike our way through Pennsylvania. I have participated in doggie playgroups and would do great with the right dog. You’ll find me at the shelter taking a power nap or greeting you at the front of my kennel, with, you guessed it, my happy feet. I can’t wait to meet you.
MONTANA
Montana
Hi, my name is Montana and I am an adorable 1-year-old terrier mix who arrived at the Brandywine Valley SPCA as a stray. I’m a big-hearted sweetheart with tons of love I want to share. I love to play and I am also a good listener. I may be a big boy but I am nothing if not a lap dog. I live for hugs, cuddles and kisses. I am dog friendly and have shown very good manners meeting dogs. I am neutered, microchipped and up to date on vaccinations. As the days grow colder and you are looking for ways to keep warm, might I remind you snuggling with a dog like me is the perfect way to get cozy? Please come meet me!
Juniper
JUNIPER
Hi, my name is Juniper and I am a 2-year-old terrier mix who arrived at the Brandywine Valley SPCA as a stray. I get along well with other dogs and am very affectionate. I’m a happy go lucky girl who always has a big smile and a tail that wags 100 miles per hour for anyone I see. I am spayed, microchipped and up to date on vaccinations, and can’t wait to find my forever home! Please stop on by and introduce yourself.
JB
JB
Well, hello there, my name is JB. I am a handsome 2-year-old orange male tabby who arrived at the Brandywine Valley SPCA as a stray in early September. I’m a bit shy and finicky when choosing my human friends, but when you are loved, you will know it. I will be interested in you and friendly. I would probably do best in an adult environment where patience is a virtue. I neutered, microchipped and up to date on vaccinations, and would love to find a home and family to love. Please come visit and give me a chance.
Soda Pop
SODA POP
Well, hello there, my name is Soda Pop. I am a wonderful 5-year-old male black cat who arrived at the Brandywine Valley SPCA as a stray in the beginning of September. I’m a vocal kitty with a notice me personality. The stress of the shelter has gotten to me a bit, and you will see that I have some spotty patches of hair, but that is nothing that a loving home can’t help fix. I would do best with an experienced owner who will allow my true character and disposition to shine. I am neutered, microchipped and up to date on vaccinations, so why don’t you swing by, meet me, and add some POP to your life.
ATTICUS
Atticus
Hi, my name is Atticus, and I am a gorgeous 3-year-old female who arrived at the Brandywine Valley SPCA after my family surrendered me. Did you know Atticus in Latin means classic and elegant? It is certainly true in my case. I was a little shy when I first arrived but I have come out of my shell and greet my friends as they arrive to say hi. I search out attention and love to be on the receiving end of some pets. I am neutered, microchipped and up to date on vaccinations. I am such a great cat and so deserving of a forever home. Might that be with you?
• Mike Keneally & Beer For Dolphins play The Kennett Flash for the first time ever on Friday, Oct. 28. The group will be touring in its classic trio format for the first time in over 20 years, and this will be its only area appearance. Keneally is well-known for his time in Frank Zappa’s band as a “Stunt” guitarist. Since his time with Frank Zappa, Keneally has also performed and recorded as a member of Steve Vai’s band, Joe Satriani’s band, and Dethklok, among others. For advance tickets, which are $20 apiece ($23 the day of the show) or more information, visit www.kennettflash.org.
• Sharpen your knives and chisels: The Market at Liberty Place in Kennett Square will be hosting a pumpkin-carving contest on Saturday, Oct. 29, at 3 p.m., and $10 gift cards will be given to the first 50 participants. Additional prizes will be awarded to the scariest and most creative pumpkins. The contest will take place in the front corner of the market, directly across from Buddy’s Burgers. Pumpkins can be carved at the market before the contest begins, or be brought to the market already carved. Located at 148 West State Street in downtown Kennett Square, The Market at Liberty Place is an upscale farmers market with a mix of freshly prepared foods, grocery items, wine, beer, and more. For more information, visit www.themarketatlibertyplace.com.
The Drowning, by N. C. Wyeth
• Using the Rural Modern:American Art Beyond the City exhibition as the departure point, explore the role that small towns like Chadds Ford played in creating American modernism and see works by artists including Georgia O’Keeffe, Grant Wood, N. C. Wyeth, Charles Demuth, Charles Sheeler, Grandma Moses and dozens of other artists in a special program featuring lectures by curators Amanda C. Burdan and Betsy Fahlman and a book-signing of the exhibition catalogue at the Brandywine River Museum of Art on Saturday, Oct. 29 at 1 p.m. The cost, which includes light refreshments, is $20 per person or $10 for educators and students with ID. To register, call 610-388-8326 or go online to brandywine.org.
• The Rachel Kohl Library offers a variety of programs for adults. Seniors are invited to Senior Gaming on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. Enjoy classic board games like Scrabble and chess, get a group together for rummy or bridge, or put together a puzzle with friends, old and new. On Tuesday evenings at 5, the library offers Adult Coloring and Puzzles. Starting Nov. 2, the library will be offering Chair Yoga on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. through Dec. 21. All programs are free and do not require registration. For more information, call 610-358-3445, or visit us online at kohllibrary.org. The library is located at 687 Smithbridge Road in Concord Township.
• The Hadley Fund will present a free lecture entitled “A Hip Hop World Order: Critical Listening, Visual Literacy & Verbal Prowess in the 21st Century.” The speaker, James Braxton Peterson, is the director of Africana Studies and an associate professor of English at Lehigh University as well as the author of several books. He also hosts “The Remix,” a podcast on Philadelphia’s NPR affiliate, WHYY, that engages issues at the intersection of race, politics, and popular culture. The lecture is Saturday, Nov. 5 at 6 p.m. in the International Cultural Center at Lincoln University, 1655 Baltimore Pike in Lincoln University. Peterson will be signing his books, “Hip Hop Headphones: A Scholar’s Critical Playlist” and “Prison Industrial Complex for Beginners,” after the lecture. Event registration is required and available at www.HadleyPresents.TicketLeap.com.
• The Junior League of Wilmington will hold its 34thWhale of a Sale fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 12. “Delaware’s Largest Garage Sale” will be held at 148 Sunset Boulevard (just off Route 13/DuPont Highway) in New Castle, from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m., in a space formerly occupied by a Pathmark supermarket. The event ruins from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.jlwilmington.org
Craig Bickhardt will perform at Darlington Arts Center Saturday, Nov. 12.
• Singer/songwriter Craig Bickhardt returns to Darlington Arts Center to perform as part of the Coffee House Concert Series on Saturday, Nov. 12. The concert is BYOB and begins with an open mic at 7:30 p.m., followed by Craig Bickhardt at 8. Tickets are $10 for members, $15 for general admission, and $40 for a four-show pack. Tickets include free coffee, tea, and desserts. Advance ticket purchase is recommended by calling 610-358-3632, or by ordering online at www.darlingtonarts.org.
• In accordance with National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, which runs from Nov. 13 to Nov. 19, Decade to Doorways, Chester County’s initiative to prevent and end homelessness, will be hosting an event to spread awareness of the problem. Join Decade to Doorways and the community on Thursday, Nov. 17, as participants take to the street corners of Chester County to stand in solidarity with people, families, and children experiencing homelessness. Participants will inform passersby about the current state of homelessness in our county and how to get involved in initiatives that help neighbors in times of need. To register, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/take-to-the-streets-tickets-28433164360?aff=efbevent.
Artist Adrian Martinez presents “The Visionary World of Humphry Marshall” on Friday, Nov. 4, at the Chester County Historical Society.
• Join the Chester County Historical Society for an evening of artistic exploration as Adrian Martinez presents “The Visionary World of Humphry Marshall” on Friday, Nov. 4, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Admission is $50 for CCHS members, $75 for non-members. An early admission gallery tour with the artist will take place from 5 to 6 p.m. at a cost of $75 for members, $90 for non-members. The opening night reception includes food and full bar by Jimmy Duffy’s Catering, beer by Victory Brewing Company, and music by West Chester University’s School of Music. Several re-enactors will also be in attendance. Find them in the audience or by their respective paintings. Call 610-692-4800 or email rsvp@chestercohistorical.org to reserve your seat.
• Nominations are now open for the 2016 Outstanding Citizen of the Year to be presented by the Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce on Friday, March 24, at its annual dinner at Longwood Gardens. SCCCC established the Outstanding Citizen of the Year award in 1968 to recognize exemplary volunteer efforts, community service, vision, leadership, and citizenship of individuals who positively influence the welfare of the Southern Chester County community. Nominations are open until Friday, Nov. 18. For more information and to download the submission form, click here.
• The girls’ varsity ice hockey team skated to a victory in their season opener game on Oct. 14 against Downingtown West by a score of 8-4. Claire Donovan scored three goals, Jordan Hower scored two, while Madison Doucette, Kaelen Speck and Hannah Close scored one each. Katie Anderson had two assists and Madison Doucette and Hannah Close each had one assist. Defense stayed strong and denied their opponent from succeeding at the net. The girls play their next game on Friday, Oct. 28 at 6:45 p.m. at the Barn (Upland Country Day School) against Owen J Roberts HS.
• The JV boys’ ice hockey team defeated Avon Grove on Friday night by a score of 9 to 3. Ben Brucker scored 6 goals, Josh Wilkins scored 2 goals and Tait Mott scored once. Strong defensive effort by Bryce Halsey and Michael Hochhaus along with goalie Keigan Craig held the Avon Grove team to 3 goals. The JV team plays again on Friday, October 28th at Iceline at 9:15 p.m. against Henderson.
• Men’s soccer ended the 2016 season with a sweep at Perkiomen Valley Saturday. JV won 1-0 as Nick Simpson tucked the ball in the net off a Kyle Lyon’s corner kick. Varsity also won 1-0 as Hunter Firment scored the lone goal.
• The UHS JV girls’ soccer squad ended its season at home against Downingtown West lAst week. Despite inspired play from all athletes, including game MVP Erin O’Leary and her defensive counterpart Hannah Firment, the team walked off the pitch with a 0-1 loss. Thanks to the leadership of co-captains Claire Matson and Hadley McKnight, the team finished with a winning record of 8-5-2. While this is certainly an accomplishment, the greatest achievement of the season is undoubtedly the overall improvement of each player, proof that the UHS soccer program can look forward to continued success in the future.
• The cross-country program competed on the track on Oct. 19 in their annual 3200 at Henderson. The boys were led from sub 10-minute performances by freshman Cole Walker and sophomore James Conway. The top five averaged an impressive 10:04 as they prepare for districts next week. The girls were led from personal bests from seniors Jillian Brislin, Anna Juul and Kaylee McCarthy.
• The Unionville Indians girls’ volleyball team lost five sets to Downingtown West 25-8, 25-22, 19-25, 15-25, and 11-15. The Indians were led by strong play from Alli Lowe (18 Kills, 3 Aces, and 19 Digs) and Natalie Mills (12 Kills and 12 Digs). This brings the Indians to 6-7 in the league and 8-12 overall.
• The varsity boys’ ice hockey team tied Springfield last night 4-4. Ben Brucker scored 2 goals while Joey Impagliazzo and Paul Malone each added 1 goal. Assists were made by Tyler Glennon,Aiden Masters and Tait Mott. Strong defensive plays were made by Cade Lenkaitis, Bryce Halsey and Michael Hochhaus. Goalie, Ben Basilio, made some great saves in net. The team next faces off against Downingtown East on Monday, October 31st.
• The JV volleyball team finished their last match of the season with a win vs. Downingtown West with set scores of 25-13 and 25-18. The team was led by Catherine Odom and Morgan Canino’s serving and Sisi Snavely’s offense.
• Unionville varsity field hockey team beat Downingtown West with a score of 2 to 0. Katie Anderson scored 1 goal and had 1 assist. Maddie McDonough scored 1 goal and Annie McDonough made 1 assist. Defensive players Carly Hewes, Caroline Fisher, Rebecca Peakes, and Kailey Mannello played an outstanding game. Lizzie Gaebel made 6 key saves in goal.
