Editor’s Note: The following is a submission by the Chester County District Attorney’s Office.
Here is a brief update on some of the events that occurred in the Chester County DA’s Office during the week of January 12, 2026:
Coatesville Man Found Guilty in Shooting Case
On January 14, 2026, a Chester County jury convicted Damonte Reason, 23, of Coatesville, of Aggravated Assault and related charges after a three-day trial before the Honorable Patrick Carmody. Evidence presented during the trial established that the Defendant intentionally fired multiple shots at various victims who were standing on a porch at a residence in Coatesville, before fleeing the scene.
Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe said “I’m proud of the work by our team and the Coatesville City Police Department. Because of our partnership, a violent criminal has been held accountable.”
Coatesville Teacher Arrested for Stealing Funds from Teachers Association
On January 15, 2026, Kathleen Elicker, 61, of West Chester, was arrested for Theft by Failure to Make Required Disposition of Funds, Receiving Stolen Property, and Theft by Unlawful Taking or Disposition. The Defendant’s bail was set at $50,000 unsecured.
The criminal complaint indicates that the Defendant, a Coatesville Area School District teacher, was stealing funds from the Coatesville Area Teachers Association (“CATA”) while working in the capacity as CATA Treasurer and Negotiations Chair during the 2019–2020 to the 2022–2023 school years. A review of bank statements by Chester County Detectives revealed that the Defendant had continuously misappropriated funds belonging to the CATA and deposited them into her personal accounts.
Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe said, “This Defendant used her position of trust in the Coatesville Area Teachers Association to take money meant for her fellow teachers. These charges are a critical first step towards holding her accountable.”
Coatesville Man Sentenced to 5–12 Years in Prison for Stalking and Intimidation
On January 15, 2026, the Honorable Bret M. Binder sentenced David Bracetty to 5–12 years in state prison for Retaliation Against a Witness/Victim, Stalking, Intimidation, and other related charges. Bracetty, who was arrested in April of 2024, threatened to kill his ex-girlfriend, damaged her property, and continued to stalk and harass her if she contacted police. He was arrested by the Phoenixville Police Department for violating a PFA and posting lewd videos of his ex-girlfriend to social media. The matter was scheduled for trial last year; however, the Defendant failed to appear. Despite that, a jury found the Defendant guilty of the charges. Judge Binder imposed the 5–12 year sentence after police rearrested the Defendant.
Malvern Man Charged with Unlawful Contact with Minors
On January 16, 2026, Matthew Hogan, 30, of Malvern, was arrested and charged with Unlawful Contact with Minors, Sexual Assault of Minors, and other related charges. Hogan was arrested by the Chester County Detectives and remanded to Chester County Prison after failing to post $500,000 bail.
The criminal complaint filed by the Chester County Detectives indicates that after receiving a cyber tip in October of 2025, investigators determined that the Defendant used Snapchat to make sexually explicit requests to minors. The Defendant had contact with approximately 13 child victims who either sent the Defendant sexual images or engaged in sexual conversations with the Defendant. There are still unidentified child victims seen in explicit images found on the Defendant’s cell phone. Investigators are working to identify these victims.
Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe said, “If parents recognize the Defendant or his Instagram screen name ‘wolf_of_broadst’ they should contact the Chester County Detectives at 610-344-6866. And as the father of two young children, I remind all parents: it is imperative that you monitor your children’s online activities and communications to help protect them from online predators.”
Please remember, if you have concerns about the safety of a child, you should say something. Call 911. Call Childline at 1-800-932-0313. Childline reports can be anonymous.
