Authorities have charged 20 people in connection with the abuse and mistreatment of 26 children at Chester Community Charter School – West Campus in Pennsylvania. Some staff members physically abused students, while others failed to report the ongoing mistreatment, according to Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer.
Philadelphia news outlets report that the investigation began in January 2025 after parents reported their children were afraid to attend school due to the abusive practices. Law enforcement found that nine individuals restrained and punished children using harmful techniques, including:
- Pinching students on pressure points near their necks
- Forcing students into painful restraints
- Applying “shoulder work,” involving a knee to the back until the child was forced to the ground
According to local media, surveillance footage captured much of the abuse, confirming the horrifying claims. Some of those charged were not even direct school employees but worked for Peak Performers Staffing, LLC—a third-party contractor that failed to ensure staff had up-to-date safety training.
Individuals Charged in the School Abuse Investigation
The following nine individuals face multiple counts of conspiracy, simple assault, unlawful restraint, false imprisonment, endangering the welfare of a child, and failure to report endangering the welfare of a child:
- Raymond Harris
- Kabree Daniels
- Christian Denny
- Martin Mincey, Jr.
- Harry Woodhouse, Jr.
- Amaru Mohammed
- Leroy Campbell
- Adrian Hospedale
- Monica Griffin
Additionally, the following 11 individuals were charged with failure to report endangering the welfare of a child:
- Daemon Pierce
- Don’Neisah King Pierce
- Arijah Clements
- Cyrus Barlee
- Neanne Edmonds
- Breshonna Belgrave
- Deja Bennett-Allen
- Ryan Ridley
- Maggie Moloney
- Dahkeem Williams
- Asia Pena
Many of the suspects have not yet been taken into custody but have made arrangements to surrender, according to investigators.
Who Is Liable? Employer Responsibility for School Abuse
While those directly responsible for the abuse face criminal charges, the bigger question is: can the school or staffing agency also be held accountable?
Liability can arise if the school or staffing agency:
- Ignored warning signs or failed to act on complaints about abusive staff
- Didn’t enforce policies that could have stopped the abuse
For example, if staff had prior complaints against them or weren’t properly trained, both the school and staffing agency could be legally responsible for negligence.
Holding Abusers and Institutions Accountable
Criminal charges hold perpetrators accountable through the justice system, but they don’t always provide direct relief to victims and their families. While prosecutors pursue penalties like prison time, families can seek justice on their own through civil lawsuits. A civil case allows victims to recover damages for medical expenses, emotional trauma, and long-term care while also holding institutions—like schools or staffing agencies—accountable for their negligence. By taking legal action, families can demand financial compensation and push for systemic changes to prevent future abuse. If your child has been harmed, consulting a skilled attorney can help you understand your rights and take the next steps toward justice.
Seeking Justice for School Abuse Victims
At Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan, we fight for victims of institutional abuse. Schools, daycares, and other childcare facilities must be held accountable when they fail to protect children from harm. If your child has suffered abuse at school or daycare, you have legal options.
To learn more about legal rights for victims, contact us today or call 215-399-9255.
DISCLAIMER: This website does not create an attorney-client relationship or provide legal advice. It is crucial to speak to a qualified lawyer prior to making any decisions about your case.