WEST CHESTER, PA — The Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police Department announced that 50-year-old Domingo Avalos-Pantoja was arrested and charged with two sexual assaults in East Goshen Township on March 8, 2023. This was just the beginning though – Avalos-Pantoja was also charged with sexual assaults in other jurisdictions.
The Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police Department worked diligently to investigate a sexual assault report involving a minor that originated from a Childline report. During the course of the investigation, interviews were conducted which uncovered an alarming number of additional victims outside the jurisdiction of Westtown-East Goshen. All of the victims had known their attacker and had at one point lived with him. It took a large coordinated effort between multiple law enforcement units, such as the West Chester Borough Police Department and Chester County Detectives, in addition to the Chester County District Attorney’s Office, for this complex case to be handled effectively and with sensitivity toward the victims.
Avalos-Pantoj was arraigned by the Honorable District Justice Mackenzie Smith and bail was set at $100,000.00. He was unable to post bail and is being held at Chester County Prison.
Information, a criminal complaint, or an arrest is not a declaration of guilt. A suspect, arrestee, or defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Childline is one of the most important tools that states have to protect abused and neglected children. As a community, we can help protect our most vulnerable population by familiarizing ourselves with Childline – its process and mission – and making sure everyone in our life knows how to use it. We must also speak up if we know of or suspect any form of abuse happening to a child. It’s not just an individual responsibility, but a societal responsibility to respond swiftly and sternly against all forms of abuse. Finally, it’s essential for us to remember that the toll-free hotline, 1-800-932-0313, is always there to receive reports of suspected abuse at any time. If you or anyone you know is currently facing child abuse or neglect, call immediately and don’t hesitate to be their hero.
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