Chester County District Attorney

06/01/2026

DEATH INVESTIGATION IN COATESVILLE

The Chester County District Attorney’s Office is aware of a shooting incident that occurred in Coatesville this evening, and are supporting the City of Coatesville Police Department in the investigation. If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact City of Coatesville Police Department at 610-384-2300.

City of Coatesville Police Department

05/30/2026

Today, we join the law enforcement community in mourning the tragic loss of Officer Kristen Yeager of the Central Berks Regional Police Department, who was killed in a vehicle crash last night while responding to a call for service.

We extend our sincere and heartfelt condolences to Officer Yeager’s family, friends, loved ones, and her colleagues at the Central Berks Regional Police Department. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this profound loss during this difficult time.

Officer Yeager’s service and sacrifice will be remembered and honored.

Today, our department mourns the heartbreaking loss of Officer Kristen Yeager, who made the ultimate sacrifice while responding to a call for service on May 29, 2026.

Officer Yeager served our community with courage, compassion, and unwavering dedication. She answered the call to protect and serve each day, placing the safety of others above her own. Her commitment to her badge, her fellow officers, and the citizens she served will never be forgotten.

We ask that you keep Officer Yeager’s family, friends, and our entire law enforcement family in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.

Rest easy, Officer Yeager. Your watch has ended, but your legacy of service and sacrifice will live on forever. We got it from here.

🖤💙 End of Watch: May 29, 2026

05/26/2026

On May 14, 2026, law enforcement from across Chester County and community members gathered at the Chester County Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge #11 to honor and remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities during the annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service.

During the ceremony, attendees paid tribute to Corporal Timothy O'Connor, who was tragically killed in the line of duty on March 8, 2026.

We remain grateful for the service and sacrifice of all law enforcement officers, and continue to keep Corporal O'Connor's family, friends, and fellow officers in our thoughts.

To watch a video from the memorial service, please click the link below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99KmKioyzP8

Thank you to the Chester County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #11 and Rip Roarin Productions for organizing a beautiful service.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

05/26/2026

The Chester County District Attorney's Office extends our heartfelt condolences to the West Whiteland Fire Company and to the family, friends, and loved ones of Past Fire Chief George "Bud" Turner, who passed away on May 23, 2026.

Chief Turner dedicated his life to serving others, strengthening his community, and bringing people together for the betterment of West Whiteland Township. His unwavering commitment to public service, leadership, and mentorship has left a lasting impact on countless residents, firefighters, first responders, and colleagues.

We join the community in honoring Chief Turner's distinguished service and remembering a man whose contributions will not be forgotten. Our thoughts go to the Turner family, friends, and the entire West Whiteland Fire Company during this difficult time.

05/25/2026

Today, we honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. We are forever grateful for their service and sacrifice.

05/21/2026

NEWS RELEASE: PARKESBURG MAN CHARGED WITH POSSESSION OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE MATERIAL

The Chester County District Attorney’s Office and the Chester County Detectives announce the arrest of John Lymberis, 57, of Parkesburg, Pennsylvania, who is charged with Sexual Abuse of Children, Digital Forgery, and other related charges for possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The Defendant was arraigned by the Honorable J. Timothy Arndt and released after posting 10 percent of $35,000 bail. Defendant Lymberis’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 8, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.

As detailed in the criminal complaint (the Defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.), Chester County Detectives received a CyberTip report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children through the Delaware County ICAC Task Force indicating that an individual utilized the KIK service to upload and share various photos and videos of child sexual abuse material. Investigators were able to locate the user, identified as John Lymberis, through email addresses attached to the KIK account and information provided through the ICAC Task Force. Defendant Lymberis also utilized the KIK account to participate in several chat rooms where he posted, exchanged and distributed images of children, including images where artificial intelligence was utilized to create sexualized images of minors.

District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe said, “This office will continue to investigate and prosecute those that possess and distribute child po*******hy. If you believe you have information regarding this investigation, please contact Chester County Detectives at 610-344-6866.”

Chester County Detectives is the lead investigating agency. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact Chester County Detectives at 610-344-6866. As a reminder, if you have concerns about the safety of a child, say something. Call 911 and call Childline at 1-800-932-0313.

05/19/2026

The Chester County District Attorney’s Office will be closed on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in observance of Primary Election Day. We will resume normal business hours on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.

05/19/2026

The Chester County District Attorney's Office will be closed on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in observance of Primary Election Day. We will resume normal business hours on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.

05/18/2026

NEWS RELEASE: CHESTER COUNTY DA’S OFFICE WEEKLY UPDATE

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

DA Recognizes Corporal Timothy O’Connor at FOP Memorial During National Police Week

On May 14, 2026, law enforcement officers, county leaders, and members of the community gathered at the Chester County Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge #11 for the annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service. This yearly service is a solemn tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

This years’ ceremony paid tribute to Corporal Timothy O’Connor, who was tragically killed in the line of duty on March 8, 2026. His name has been added to the memorial monument that sits just outside the FOP Lodge in West Chester, joining eleven other local and state officers who gave their lives in service while protecting the residents of Chester County.

Speakers of the service included Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe, PA State Police Major Richard D’Ambrosio, FOP Lodge #11 President Robert McCarron, and Casey O’Connor. DA de Barrena-Sarobe concluded his remarks by saying, “Adding Cpl. O’Connor to this Memorial tonight is one small way to keep his memory alive. He joins ten other law enforcement officers who gave their life to protect Chester County. They were all bold and righteous officers. Heroes that we will always remember.”

The memorial recognizes the following past fallen officers: Parkesburg Police Officer Douglas H. Pyle (1988), PSP Avondale Trooper John J. Brown (1985), PSP Embreeville Trooper David D. Monahan (1980), East Pikeland Officer Robert W. Gates (1975), Kennett Square Officer Williams W. Davis (1972), Kennett Square Officer Richard J. Posey (1972), PSP Avondale Trooper Robert J. Lomas (1971), North Coventry Officer Daniel W. Guldin (1959), Chester County Sheriff Benjamin F. Irey (1887), Westtown-East Goshen Police Officer Joshua Micun (2021).

The ceremony was part of National Police Week, where the community is encouraged to reflect on the service and sacrifice of these officers. We extend our appreciation to all law enforcement officers who continue to wear the badge with dedicated professionalism, courage, and commitment.


Spring Youth & Law Enforcement Symposium

On April 30, 2026, the Chester County District Attorney’s Office held the Youth & Law Enforcement Symposium event at the Chester County Justice Center. This event brings together high school students and their teachers from around Chester County to meet with local and state law enforcement for meaningful discussions on the criminal justice system, juvenile programs offered in the county, and ways in which relationships between the community and police could be strengthened. Shaneen Paskings and her team from the Youth Community Law Enforcement Solutions (YCLS) led panel discussions, break-out sessions, and role-playing scenarios.

The day’s events included an overview of the District Attorney’s Office and Detectives Office given by DA Christipher de Barrena-Sarobe and Chief Detective David Sassa. Chester County Commissioner Marian Moskowitz also thanked students and their teachers for their participation in the program.

The participating schools included Avon Grove Charter School, Avon Grove High School, Coatesville Area High School, Devon Preparatory School, Downingtown East High School, Malvern Preparatory School, Technical College High School (TCHS), and West Chester Area School District. Law Enforcement Departments included Uwchlan Township Police Department, Westtown East Goshen (WEGO) Police Department, Tredyffrin Township Police Department, West Whiteland Police Department, West Goshen Police Department, West Caln Township Police Department, City of Coatesville Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Chester County Sheriff’s Office, and Chester County Detectives.

Thank you to Chris Saello, President and CEO of the United Way of Chester County, for their continued contributions that support this event. Kudos to everyone who participated and planned this wonderful event!

Uwchlan Township Police Department
Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police
Tredyffrin Township Police Department
West Goshen Township Police Department
West Caln Township Police Department
West Whiteland Township Police Department
City of Coatesville Police Department
Chester County Sheriff's Office of PA
PA State Police

05/07/2026

Two Coatesville Men Convicted of First-Degree Murder

On May 5, 2026, after a seven-day jury trial, Victor Lara-Ortiz, 22, and Zaire Harley, 22, both of Coatesville, were convicted of Murder in the First Degree, Conspiracy, Aggravated Assault, and other related charges. The trial was held before Court of Common Pleas Judge Alita Rovito. Both defendants had joined a group of individuals in a coordinated plan to shoot a rival, but instead, shot and killed one of their own co-conspirators. While Defendants will be sentenced in the coming weeks, the law requires that they spend the rest of their lives in prison.

The guilty verdict marks the end of an expansive investigation by the Coatesville City Police Department and the Chester County Detectives. The Pennsylvania State Police also assisted. Chief Deputy District Attorney Andrea Cardamone and Assistant District Attorney Kaitlyn Michalek prosecuted the case. In the end, six Defendants were charged, indicted, and convicted for this crime.

District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe said, “These two Defendants tried to assassinate a rival and ended up killing one of their own. They are responsible for every bullet their group shot that night. I am grateful to the jury that worked through this shocking case with complicated legal concepts to make sure these violent young men are held accountable.”

City of Coatesville Police Chief John Laufer said, “Our communities are safer today after a Chester County jury delivered two guilty verdicts for Murder in the First Degree. From the date of the homicide nearly three years ago through this month’s jury trial, City of Coatesville Detectives, Chester County Detectives, and the Chester County District Attorney’s Office worked tirelessly in partnership to ensure a successful investigation and prosecution. Today’s complex investigations, and the prosecutions that follow, require a fully coordinated team approach to ensure justice for victims and our communities.”

Read more about the trial in Vinny Vella’s Philadelphia Inquirer article: Two Coatesville men who planned ill-fated revenge shooting convicted of first-degree murder

Victor Lara-Ortiz and Zaire Harley were looking to attack a criminal rival in 2023. Instead, prosecutors said, they accidentally killed a co-conspirator involved in the planned ambush.