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Authorities in Chester Township are pursuing charges against 20 individuals following an extensive investigation into allegations of child abuse at Chester Community Charter School located at 2730 Bethel Rd, Chester, PA 19013. The inquiry began on January 14, 2025, after police were alerted to concerns involving a 7-year-old student who reportedly feared attending school and was subjected to physical restraints in the institution’s “positive support room.”
A review of classroom surveillance footage revealed approximately 100 instances of abuse affecting 26 young children, some as young as 5 years old. The incidents, captured on video, have raised serious concerns about the safety of students and the oversight of staff within the school, according to 6 ABC.
Raymon Harris and Kabree Daniels, identified as “positive support facilitators,” face allegations of improperly restraining children. According to court records, the two subjected students to painful techniques, including pinching their necks, forcibly holding them to the ground, and making threats involving “shoulder work.” Both have been suspended as the investigation continues.
Nine individuals are accused of directly abusing the children, while 11 others allegedly observed the incidents but failed to report them, in violation of mandatory reporting laws.
The names of those facing charges:
Investigators found that many of the accused were employed by Peak Performers Staffing, a contractor providing personnel to the school. While the company claimed its staff were trained in safety protocols, police revealed that none of the accused had up-to-date certifications. The school has since terminated its relationship with the contractor.
Court documents highlight a breakdown in accountability, with investigators stating that mandated reporters, including teachers and aides, failed to report the abuse to Childline, Pennsylvania’s child abuse reporting system. This systemic failure has become a focal point of the case, with authorities emphasizing the need for stricter oversight.
Chester Community Charter School issued a statement affirming its cooperation with authorities and outlining the steps taken to address the situation. The school stated that all affected families were promptly notified and that employees linked to the allegations were either terminated or suspended pending further investigation.
“The health and safety of our students is always our top priority,” the school’s statement read. “We acted quickly to ensure that students would not be further subjected to any unauthorized disciplinary methods.”
While most of the documented incidents occurred in November and December 2024, investigators are still reviewing additional surveillance footage. Authorities have indicated that more charges and arrests could follow as the investigation progresses.
This case has cast a spotlight on the need for stronger protections for vulnerable children within school environments and has left the community grappling with the troubling revelations.
As the Chester Community Charter School abuse case continues to unfold, families of the young victims face difficult questions about their next steps. Twenty individuals have been charged in connection with over 100 incidents of child abuse, leaving many wondering how to hold those responsible accountable. Pennsylvania child abuse attorney Guy D’Andrea provides clarity on the legal options available, explaining how victims and their families can seek compensation and accountability for the harm suffered.
Editor Darla Medina: Mr. D’Andrea, given the allegations surrounding this case, what legal options do the families of these children have?”
Attorney Guy D’Andrea: The families have several avenues they can consider. On the criminal side, the authorities are already pursuing charges against those directly involved. For the victims and their families, however, there’s also the possibility of civil litigation. They can file lawsuits against the individuals, the staffing agency, and potentially the school itself if negligence or systemic failures contributed to these incidents.
Medina: How might a civil case differ from the criminal proceedings we’re seeing unfold right now?
D’Andrea: Criminal proceedings focus on holding the perpetrators accountable for breaking the law, which can result in penalties like imprisonment. Civil cases, on the other hand, aim to provide compensation for the harm suffered by the victims. This could include damages for emotional distress, medical expenses, and the long-term impact of the abuse on these children’s lives.
Medina: Would the involvement of a staffing agency like Peak Performers change the legal approach?
D’Andrea: Absolutely. If the agency failed to properly train or vet its employees, it could be held liable for negligence. Additionally, if the school failed to supervise those contracted staff members or ignored warning signs, that could further strengthen a case against them.
Medina: For families considering legal action, where should they begin?
D’Andrea: It’s important to consult an attorney experienced in child abuse cases who can carefully evaluate the facts and determine the best course of action. Time is also a factor, as there are statutes of limitations that could affect their ability to file a claim. The sooner they seek legal guidance, the better.
No family should face the pain and uncertainty caused by abuse alone. If your child was harmed at Chester Community Charter School or another school, now is the time to act. Our dedicated legal team is ready to fight for accountability and protect your child’s future. Contact us today for a free consultation—together, we’ll take a stand for justice.
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