Chester County District Attorney

09/01/2026

NIGHT OF LIGHT EVENT – INTERNATIONAL OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY

In recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day, the Chester County Department of Drug & Alcohol Services and community partners gathered for the annual “Night of Light” event at the Chester County Historic Courthouse.

The evening provided an opportunity to remember those lives lost to substance use disorders, support those in recovery, and shine a light on the importance of prevention and treatment. Encouraging progress continues across the region, with overdose deaths declining for the second consecutive year. To date, in Chester County, overdose deaths decreased by 13%.

The Chester County District Attorney’s Office remains committed to supporting prevention, treatment and recovery throughout our community.

09/01/2026

As Students Return to School, Bucks and Chester County District Attorneys Urge Emergency State Ban on Dangerous Kratom Chemicals to Protect our Youth

On the first day of school for many Pennsylvania students, Bucks County District Attorney Joe Khan and Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe today sent formal letters to Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen, urging the Department of Health to immediately exercise its emergency powers to schedule 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) and related kratom derivatives as controlled substances under state law.

For the full release, please visit the link below or visit: https://tinyurl.com/3725yfz6

On the first day of school for many Pennsylvania students, Bucks County District Attorney Joe Khan and Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe today sent formal letters to Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr.

08/31/2026

OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY

Today on Overdose Awareness Day, we remember the lives lost to overdose and stand alongside the families, friends, and community members impacted by this crisis.

At the Chester County District Attorney's Office, we remain committed to working alongside law enforcement, health care professionals, treatment providers, and community partners to build a safer and healthier community.

Today, we remember those lives lost and continue to raise awareness.

Overdose deaths are trending downward, and that is a hopeful sign for Pennsylvania. Law enforcement, public health partners, and community organizations are working together to stop trafficking networks, expand prevention, and support recovery.

But as Chester County District Attorney DA Chris de Barrena Sarobe reminds us, “Treating opioid use disorder should be a sign of hope, not shame. Opioid addiction is a preventable public health crisis that affects all of us, not just a crime relegated to people who made a poor choice.”

On International Overdose Awareness Day, Pennsylvania’s prosecutors honor those we’ve lost, stand with families who are grieving, and recommit to the work that still lies ahead.

💜Learn more about how Chester County is winning the battle against overdoses: https://www.pdaa.org/blog/downward-overdose-trends-show-signs-of-hope-but-prevention-efforts-still-matter/

08/31/2026

NEWS RELEASE: CHESTER COUNTY DRUG TREATMENT COURT AND RECOVERY COURT RECEIVE PA SUPREME COURT CERTIFICATIONS

The Chester County District Attorney’s Office, the Office of Adult Probation, and the Chester County Public Defender’s Office are pleased to announce that the Chester County Drug Treatment Court and the Chester County Recovery Court have each received a Certification of Achievement from the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, recognizing the commitment of both courts to excellence, accountability, and adherence to best practices in treatment court operations.

Chester County has four specialized treatment courts–Drug Court, Recovery Court, Mental Health Court, and Veterans Court. All four programs are voluntary and use a collaborative approach to provide eligible individuals with structured court supervision, substance use treatment, and support towards recovery and successful reintegration into the community. Chester County’s treatment courts operate in accordance with the nationally recognized All Rise Treatment Court Best Practice Standards and Ten Key Components, with a focus on recovery, recidivism, and promoting public safety.

“These certificates are a testament to the tremendous work and dedication of everyone involved in making our treatment courts successful,” said District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe. “These courts demonstrate what can be accomplished when the criminal justice system, treatment providers, and community partners work together to save lives.”

“This achievement would not be possible without the continued commitment and partnership of everyone involved in our treatment courts,” said Director of Probation, Parole and Pretrial Services Christopher Pawlowski. “Through structured supervision and a collaborative approach, we continue to work and give participants the tools they need to achieve recovery.”

Chester County Chief Public Defender Susanna DeWese said, “Access to treatment and support is vital to changing our client’s lives. We appreciate the work that the dedicated members of the Chester County Treatment Court team do and we look forward to continuing to provide rehabilitative alternatives to those struggling with addiction.”

Established in 1997, Chester County Drug Court was the second treatment court established in Pennsylvania and has graduated more than 1,670 individuals. Recovery Court, established in 2007, has graduated more than 300 individuals. Both programs continue to provide eligible participants with structured pathways to treatment, recovery, and a positive change.

08/28/2026

NEWS RELEASE: CHESTER COUNTY DA’S OFFICE WEEKLY UPDATE

Here is a brief update on some of the events that occurred in the Chester County DA’s Office:

New Garden Man Sentenced to 17.5-35 Years After Sexually Assaulting a Child

On August 21, 2026, the Honorable Bret M. Binder sentenced Defendant Warren Reynolds, 65, of Avondale, to 17.5-35 years in state prison for sexually abusing a child victim. Following a week-long jury trial in January, a jury convicted Reynolds of Aggravated Indecent Assault, Endangering the Welfare of Children, and other related charges.

Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe said, “This Defendant thought that his wealth could shield him from justice, but Judge Binder’s sentence holds him accountable for sexually abusing a child. We are grateful for the courage of the victim to come forward in this case, and for all those who assisted in obtaining justice.”

First Assistant Deputy District Attorney Erin O’Brien was the assigned prosecutor. Please remember, if you have concerns about the safety of a child, say something. Call 911 and call Childline at 1-800-932-0313.

Six Coatesville Men Sentenced in Connection to the Murder of Co-Conspirator

On August 21, 2026, the Honorable Alita Rovito sentenced six co-defendants for their respective roles that resulted in the August 23, 2023, murder of 20-year-old Dametrius McClain-Jackson. The six co-defendants include: Victor Lara-Ortiz, 22; Zaire Harley, 23; Markel Jones, 23; Richard Rochester-Cottle, 24; Quadir Lavender, 24; and Gary White, 22. A jury convicted both Lara-Ortiz and Harley of first-degree murder and other related offenses following trial in May, and both Defendants were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The other four Defendants previously pled guilty. All six Defendants have now been charged, indicted, convicted, and sentenced for this crime.

Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe said, “These defendants set out to assassinate a rival and instead killed one of their own. Every person who participated in this violent attack bears the responsibility of the death of McClain-Jackson.”

The Coatesville City Police Department led the investigation, and received assistance from the Chester County Detectives, and the Pennsylvania State Police. Chief Deputy District Attorney Andrea Cardamone and Assistant District Attorney Kaitlyn Michalek prosecuted the case.

City of Coatesville Police Department

08/27/2026

NEWS RELEASE: TWO MEN CHARGED FOLLOWING ROAD RAGE INCIDENT IN TREDYFFRIN TOWNSHIP

The Chester County District Attorney’s Office and the Tredyffrin Township Police Department announce that Sophay Yem, 35, and Intanon Chay, 36, both of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, have been charged (both Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty) with Attempted Murder, Terroristic Threats, and other related charges for shooting into a vehicle following a road rage incident. Both men have turned themselves into the police and have been arraigned by the Honorable Lauren Holt. Defendant Yem’s bail was set at $500,000 cash and Defendant Chay’s bail was set at $350,000 cash.

According to the criminal complaint, the victim contacted the Tredyffrin Township Police on May 12, 2026, to report that his vehicle had been shot on the driver’s side door. Investigators observed a bullet hole in the door with no corresponding exit hole. The victim told investigators that after he inadvertently cut off another driver on Route 202 near the Route 30 Bypass, that driver followed him and drove aggressively, attempting to force the victim’s vehicle off the roadway, and swerving in front of him. Meanwhile, the passenger of the aggressive vehicle threw objects onto the roadway towards the victim’s vehicle. As the victim exited onto Route 252, he heard glass shatter and later discovered a bullet hole in his vehicle’s door. The driver of the vehicle was later identified as Defendant Yem, and the passenger was identified as Defendant Chay.

Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe said, “Just because someone cuts you off does not mean you get to shoot at them. This was absurd criminal conduct that put the lives of everyone on the road that day in danger.”

Tredyffrin Township Police Captain Tyler Moyer said, “While no one was injured in this incident, I cannot stress enough that firing a weapon during a road-rage confrontation is an unacceptable and dangerous act. Our detectives immediately went to work, utilizing the technological capabilities available to this department to identify and track down the individuals responsible.”

The Tredyffrin Township Police Department is the lead investigating agency in the case and were assisted by the Chester County Detectives and the Philadelphia Police Department. Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact the Tredyffrin Township Police Department at (610) 644-3221.

Tredyffrin Township Police Department

08/26/2026

COMMUNITY TOUCH-A-TRUCK EVENT

On Sunday, August 23, 2026, Chester County Detectives were proud to join the Scouting programs of St. Joseph Parish and Downingtown Girl Scouts for their community Touch-A-Truck event!

Detectives set up a mock crime scene, giving scouts and their families a hands-on look at how detectives process and investigate a crime scene. It was a great opportunity to connect with community members and showcase the important work our detectives do every day. Thank you to everyone involved in the event!

08/21/2026

CHESTER COUNTY DA’s OFFICE ATTENDS NATIONAL NIGHT OUT EVENTS

The Chester County District Attorney’s Office joined community members and law enforcement partners for National Night Out events in West Goshen Township on August 4th and in Phoenixville on August 6th, 2026.

National Night Out brings law enforcement and the communities they serve together to strengthen relationships, promote public safety, and build a stronger sense of community. Members of the District Attorney’s Office and Chester County Detectives were proud to participate in both events and connect with residents, families, and all local community partners.

Thank you to everyone for joining our office in celebrating National Night Out!

West Goshen Township Police Department
West Chester Borough Police Department
Phoenixville Police
City of Coatesville Police Department
Tredyffrin Township Police Department

08/15/2026

DEATH INVESTIGATION IN WEST GROVE

The Chester County District Attorney’s Office and the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department are currently investigating a death that was reported to law enforcement this morning, August 15, 2026, in West Grove.

Additional information will be released as it becomes available and when appropriate to do so.

Southern Chester County Regional Police Department

08/10/2026

UPDATE TO SHOOTING INVESTIGATION IN EAST GOSHEN TOWNSHIP

The shooting incident that occurred on Friday, August 7, 2026, in East Goshen Township is now being investigated as a su***de that also resulted in a 9-year-old being struck by gunfire. The child who was shot continues to recover from her injuries. As we announced on Friday, this was an isolated incident and there was no threat to the general public.

The District Attorney’s Office and Westtown East Goshen Police again extend our deepest condolences to the family affected by this incident. We encourage everyone to give the family privacy in this difficult time.

Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police