WEST CHESTER, PA — A resident of Philadelphia has been sentenced in Chester County court to 36-72 years in state prison for the 2018 home invasion robbery in Pennsbury Township, Chester County. The defendant was found guilty of robbery, burglary, person not to possess a firearm, aggravated assault, and related charges in October 2022. His co-defendant, Renada Myers, was found guilty in 2021.
Judge Ann Marie Wheatcraft imposed the sentence Monday, July 3, 2023, on 40-year-old Kareem Harper-El of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
“This was a calculated and diabolical attack by the defendant and other co-conspirators. While burglarizing the victim’s home, they held him at gunpoint and assaulted him so severely that he thought he was going to die,” said Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan. “We are thankful to all law enforcement involved in this thorough investigation and to the prosecutors who fought for justice for this victim.”
According to information presented to the court, on August 8, 2018, Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) Avondale received a call about a home invasion robbery on the 500-block of Baltimore Pike. The 40-year-old victim told police that the co-defendant texted him to arrange a sexual encounter at his home on August 7, 2018, after which the defendant and an unidentified accomplice forced their way into the house. The victim was physically assaulted, held at gunpoint, restrained with extension cords, and forced to unlock his gun safe. The men stole five firearms, $200 in cash, watches, and the victim’s iPhone and car keys.
The victim suffered significant injuries to his head, face, and ear but managed to escape out a bedroom window and call the police after the men left.
Philadelphia Police arrested the defendant on August 10, 2018, during a traffic stop for a stolen vehicle, finding one of the stolen handguns in his possession. The other co-conspirator has not been identified.
Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan commended the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Harper-El. Prosecutors Kate Lewis and Alyssa Amoroso handled the case.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.