In a shocking case that authorities say involved the abuse of more than two dozen young children, 20 individuals affiliated with Chester Community Charter School have been charged with crimes ranging from assault and unlawful restraint to failure to report child endangerment.
Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer announced the sweeping charges Monday, detailing an investigation that uncovered a disturbing pattern of abuse targeting children in kindergarten through fifth grade, all enrolled in the school’s Team Approach to Achieving Academic Success (TAAS) program — a so-called emotional support initiative.
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“This case is every parent’s nightmare,” said Stollsteimer. “We send our children to school expecting the adults will keep them safe, not abuse them physically and emotionally. Our investigation showed some staffers physically abusing children while others sat passively and watched. All the adults charged are equally guilty in failing to protect these children, some as young as five years old.”
The Chester Township Police Department launched an investigation in January 2025 after two parents alerted school officials that their children were afraid to go to school — specifically fearing being placed in “holds” by staff. Surveillance footage later revealed multiple incidents where students were restrained using harsh and unauthorized tactics.
Among the abusive methods described:
- “Shoulder work” – a practice where children were pinched near the neck, forced into arm holds, and had knees pressed into their backs until brought to the ground.
- Students being unlawfully restrained, pinched on pressure points, and threatened with further physical discipline.
- Staff standing by as abuse occurred without intervening or filing required reports.
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A number of the accused were employed by Peak Performers Staffing, LLC, a Chester-based company co-founded by Jennifer Woodhouse and Emmanuel Gilbert. Despite claims that their employees were trained in crisis prevention and safety procedures, investigators found that none of the staff had valid training certification.
Further compounding the failures, the school’s principal confirmed that no safety holds were officially reported for all of 2024, which is in direct violation of Pennsylvania’s reporting requirements for such incidents.
The 20 charged individuals fall into two categories: nine who physically carried out abuse and eleven who allegedly failed to report it, despite being legally designated mandated reporters under state law.
Charged with Assault and Abuse-Related Offenses:
- Raymond Harris
- Kabree Daniels
- Christian Denny
- Martin Mincey, Jr.
- Harry Woodhouse, Jr.
- Amaru Mohammed
- Leroy Campbell
- Adrian Hospedale
- Monica Griffin
These individuals face multiple counts of conspiracy, simple assault, unlawful restraint, false imprisonment, endangering the welfare of a child, and failure to report.
Charged with Failure to Report Child Endangerment:
- 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
Chester Township Police Chief Kenneth Coalson condemned the systemic abuse uncovered during the investigation, calling it a “toxic and abusive relationship” within the school’s emotional support program.
“I am proud that today we are holding the support staff, teachers, and even a Dean of Students accountable for abusing — or failing to report the abuse — of vulnerable children,” Coalson said.
Some of the defendants have reportedly made arrangements to surrender voluntarily, though none are yet in custody.
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The District Attorney’s Office emphasized that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty and encouraged members of the public to remain vigilant.
Anyone in Delaware County who witnesses or suspects abuse is urged to call 911 immediately or contact authorities with specific details to aid in investigations.
For now, the families of the 26 affected children — and the broader community — await justice in a case that has shaken trust in the very institutions meant to protect the most vulnerable.
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