WST CHESTER, PA — The Chester County District Attorney’s Office and the Tredyffrin Township Police Department have announced the arrest of Joshua Hartmann, a 41-year-old man from Spring City, PA. He stands accused of stealing U.S. mail and the identities of hundreds of victims for monetary gain.
Hartmann has been charged with Forgery, Identity Theft, and approximately ten additional fraud-related charges across two separate criminal cases. In total, he faces 527 counts. Bail has been set at $300,000 (full cash, combined) by Magisterial District Judge Lauren Holt, and a preliminary hearing has been scheduled for April 18, 2024. Hartmann is currently being held at Chester County Prison.
According to the criminal complaints filed by the Tredyffrin Township Police Department, Hartmann allegedly victimized hundreds of people over several months. It is claimed that he stole their mail, altered addresses on file with government agencies to steal their identities, and applied for credit cards in their names. The alleged crimes spanned several locations, impacting victims in Schuylkill Township, Phoenixville, Malvern, Tredyffrin, and two townships in Montgomery County, including Lower Providence Township and Upper Providence Township.
During the investigation, the Tredyffrin Township Police Department collaborated with the Lower Providence Police Department and the United States Postal Inspection Service.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are asking anyone who believes they may have relevant information, or may have been victimized, to contact Detective Daniel McFadden at 610-408-3649. Assistant District Attorney Innessa Daniels of Chester County is the assigned prosecutor.
As with all criminal allegations, the suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Further details may emerge as the investigation continues.
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