Con Artists
(Public Warning)
Bensalem Police are warning the public that there have been 4 reported incidents in Bensalem and 1 in Philadelphia involving a male scamming people. He is described as a W/M, thin in his 30's, 5'8", 170lbs, gray short hair and a partial beard. The subject has been approaching people in the parking lots of Wawa (Bristol & Galloway Rds), Neshaminy Mall and Target. He asks for cash to pay for his broken down car, needs gas, tow truck, etc. The victims have been driving him to an ATM where they withdraw anywhere from $50 to $150 cash and give it to him. He then asks to be driven to either the Sunoco at Bristol and Neshaminy Blvd to "pay the repair bill" or back to Target where his car is. He promises to send them the money back which he never does.
If anyone can identify the actor in the blue jacket with the black stripe or have been involved in similar incidents are asked to call Bensalem Detective Chris McMullin at 215-633-3700
Police are warning people to never pick up anyone and put them in your car. Call 911 and a police officer will assist.
Armed Carjacking Suspects Arrested
Bensalem Police responded to two reported armed robberies, one of which was a car jacking, on the morning of Sunday, April 26, 2009. By Monday evening, both suspects were arrested and the vehicle they car jacked was returned to its rightful owner.
The first robbery occurred at 1:30 AM in the Bucks Meadows Apartment complex. During that robbery a male victim was standing outside when he was approached by two males. One of the males pulled out a semi automatic handgun and ordered the victim to give him his personal property. While the one male held him at gun point the other male removed the victim’s property. The two suspects then fled the area in a white Chevrolet Impala.
The second robbery occurred at 2:15 AM at the intersection of Bensalem Blvd and Sussex Ct. During that robbery, a male victim and his friend were approached by two males as they exited the victim’s 1995 Chevrolet Camaro. One of the males approached him, armed with a black semi automatic hand gun and ordered him to give him his car keys. The victim hesitated, and the suspect fired one shot into the ground and again ordered the victim to give him his keys. The victim then tossed his keys onto the ground and was also ordered to turn over his personal property, including his wallet. The one suspect then fled the scene in the victim’s Camaro, while the other suspect fled in a white Chevrolet Impala.
Based on witness and victim statements, it was quickly determined that these two separate point of gun robberies were related. The Criminal Investigation Unit was contacted and responded to the scene to handle the investigation.
Hours after the victim’s Camaro was stolen, it was involved in an accident in Frankford section of Philadelphia. As a result of that investigation one of the suspects was arrested and subsequently interviewed by Bensalem Detectives, where he admitted to his role in both robberies that occurred in Bensalem. The investigation continued until late Monday evening, when members or the Criminal Investigation Unit and Anti Crime Team were able to locate and arrest the second suspect, while he was at a playground on Mascher St. in the West Kensington section of Philadelphia.
The suspects were identified as Michael WILLIAMS, d.o.b. 10/21/89, and Mustapha ROBINSON, d.o.b. 5/2/86. Both suspects resided on Kinsley St., in the Frankford section of Philadelphia. They were both arraigned by District Justice Kelly and sent to Bucks County Prison in lieu of $200,000 bail, 10%.
Anyone with information relating to these two robberies or the suspects is requested to contact Bensalem’s Criminal Investigation Unit at 215-633-3719.
Mustapha Robinson Michael Williams
Wanted for Armed Robbery
On 05/10/09, at about 220 AM., Bensalem Police responded to Creekside Apartments for a report of a robbery. The victim stated he was exiting an apartment building and walked towards his vehicle when he was approached from behind by three (3) African American males. One (1) of the males displayed a sawed-off shot gun, chambered a round in the gun and pointed the weapon directly at him. The actor demanded money. After the victim reached into his pocket and threw approximately $100 in US currency at the male pointing the shotgun he ran off, but the male with the shotgun began to chase him through the parking lot until the victim dropped his wallet.
An investigation was conducted by the Bensalem Anti-Crime Team and determined that the actor possessing the shot gun was identified as Jaleel PETERSON.
Based on the severity of the crime the actor is being charged as an adult and a warrant has been issued for Peterson on charges of Robbery, Criminal Conspiracy, Theft, Simple Assault and Recklessly Endangering another Person. He is described as a 16 yr old b/m 5’10 165 lbs black hair brown eyes with a last known address of 2406 Fleetwing Dr Levittown PA.
Police are also attempting to identify the remaining two actors. Anyone with information on Peterson or the other 2 actors are asked to call Sgt Chris Barry of the Bensalem Anti-Crime team at 215-633-3700 or the anonymous tip line at 215-633-3660
Jaleel Peterson and the two actors should be considered armed and dangerous
Bensalem School Aid Arrest
On May 8th, 2009 Bensalem High School Resource Officer Ray Hartman was approached by a student who was in possession of a threatening note and several rounds of ammunition. The Student was asked to take a piece of trash out of the water fountain by School Aid Anthony Siwinski. The trash was actually a note which was wrapped around several bullets and was addressed to a non teaching assistant stating that “She was to die”. Another note was later found in the school stating “They hate the Assistant and Bomb was to go off within the hour.”
An investigation was conducted by the Bensalem Detective and Special Victims Unit. As it continued leads were pointing towards Siwinski a former Philadelphia Police Officer and current School Aid for the Philadelphia School District, as the actor who wrote out the notes. At no time were the Students in any danger.
Based on the police investigation Anthony Siwinski was charged with Terroristic Threats, Recklessly Endangering another person, and related charges. He was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Joanne Kline and sent to Bucks County Prison in lieu of $50,000 10% bail.
Anthony Siwinski
Dentist Arrested for Child Pornography
On 06/03/09 Bensalem Police and Middletown Police arrested Michael Kushner 51 yr old male from Langhorne, for allegedly viewing and downloading pornographic photos of young females. Kushner, a Dentist operating in Philadelphia, was a target of an investigation by Detective Joe Sciscio from the Bensalem Twp Special Victims Unit and the Middletown Detective Division for allegedly entering porn sites for the purpose of viewing and downloading explicit photos of young females engaging in sexual acts.
A search warrant was executed at his residence on Teal Dr in Langhorne. As a result of the investigation Kushner was taken into custody and charged 8 counts of the Dissemination of Child Pornography, 50 counts of Possessing Child Pornography and Criminal Use of a Communication Facility. All Felony Offenses.
He was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Joseph Falcone and sent to Bucks County Prison in lieu of $750,000 or 10% bail.
Michael Kushner
Armed Robbery
On Thursday, June 18, 2009 at approximately 1721 hours, Bensalem Township Police responded to an armed robbery at the “24/7” Convenience Store, located at 3510 Bristol Pk, Bensalem PA. Two white males entered the store, with one walking to the register while the other walked around the store acting as a “look out.” The one suspect encountered an employee at the register, at which point he displayed a black semi automatic handgun demanding the clerk to open the register. The actor was able to obtain an undisclosed amount of U.S. currency prior to leaving the store.
Suspect number one is described as a white male, 6’, in his late twenties to mid thirties, wearing a black jacket with a gray stripe down both sleeves, blue shorts, and black hat with a “p” symbol on the front.”
Suspect number two is described as a white male, 5’8”, 250 lbs, wearing a black T-shirt, black shorts, and a baseball hat.
Both actors appear to have multiple tattoos on their arms and legs
The suspects were last observed leaving the area in a black Jeep with a soft top.
These suspects should be considered armed and dangerous, and anyone with information is requested to contact Detective Eliot Gross or Detective Larry Leith at 215-633-3719.
ARMED ROBBERY
On 7/3/09 at 1107 hours, Bensalem Police were dispatched to the Wachovia Bank located at 762 Bristol Pike Bensalem, PA 19020 for an armed robbery. A black male entered the bank and proceeded to jump over the teller’s counter. He displayed a black handgun and struck a teller several times, while demanding money from the drawers. The male was given an undisclosed amount of U.S. currency and fled through the front doors. He was seen leaving northbound on Route 13 towards Woodhaven Rd. in a green van.
Actor was described as a black male, approximately 5’10”, mid 20’s, dark skin, thin build, wearing a black baseball hat with unknown silver insignia, large dark sunglasses, light grey t-shirt, black shorts, and white sneakers.
Vehicle was described as late model, green minivan, with an unknown PA registration, operated by a black female.
Actor should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information should contact Detective Larry Leith at (215) 633-3713.
Arsonist arrest
Bensalem Police announces the arrest of Thomas Matsinger 43 yrs of age for the arson of his residence at 3522 East End Ave Trevose that killed two cats and destroyed the home.
On Monday, July 27, 2009 at 1300 hours, Bensalem Township Police Department and Trevose Fire Company responded to 3522 East End Ave for the report of a dwelling fire. No residents were inside the house at the time, but two of the family’s pet cats were killed in the blaze. Additionally, one Trevose firefighter and a resident from a neighboring structure had to be medically treated for smoke related injuries. A subsequent investigation by the Bensalem Township Fire Marshall’s Office had determined that the fire was intentionally set inside the residence. Thomas Matsinger was identified as a suspect. On August 7th Det. Mark Kelly issued a warrant for Matsinger charging him with 2 counts Arson, 2 counts of cruelty to animals and 3 counts of Recklessly Endanger Another Person.
Today August 11, 2009 while police were searching for the suspect, Matsinger actually came to the Municipal building to apply for a permit. He was taken into custody without incident.
Matsinger was arraigned today by Magisterial Judge Joseph Falcone and sent to Bucks County Correctional Facility in lieu of $750,000 cash.
Thomas Matsinger
Bank Robbery suspected arrested
On Thursday 8/20/2009 the Bensalem Police Anti-Crime Team received information regarding a suspected bank robbery suspect from Philadelphia. Employees from a Bensalem convenience store stated they recognized a patron that frequents the store from a wanted add from the Daily News newspaper dated August 6th. As a result of this information The Anti-Crime Team was able to identify the subject as Kenneth Saresky 40 yrs of age from 850 Station Ave. His appearance fit that of the actor who committed an armed bank robbery at the Harleysville National Bank Bustleton Ave in Phila. On June 30th description.
Surveillance was set up at his residence. Later in the evening Bensalem Police observed Saresky, who was wearing a red bandanna and fit the physical description of the actor involved in the robbery, attempt to enter his vehicle. The subject was taken into custody without incident.
Further investigation from Bensalem Police and the Philadelphia Police/FBI Task Force found that Saresky had numerous bandannas, clothing in his residence. Found in his vehicle was a gray button down shirt, blue bandana, and latex gloves in the trunk. These items were also secured for evidence.
Saresky admitted to his involvement in one bank robbery in Philadelphia, one bank robbery in Delaware, and one attempted robbery of a check cash store in Philadelphia.
He was transported to Philadelphia office of the FBI to be charged with multiple offenses.
Kenneth Saresky
Cat Burglar
Bensalem Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying the actor(s) who are responsible for breaking into or attempting to break into at least 5 homes while the family’s are home sleeping. On one occasion the actor forced his way into a home on Anaconda Way and awoke the resident, who was sleeping on the couch. A confrontation ensued when the homeowner approached the actor. The homeowner suffered a minor injury to his shin before the actor fled the home in grayish blue, 4 door Ford Taurus with denting to the passenger side doors/fender. He had stolen money jewelry and a camera. Two other burglaries were also reported on Anaconda Way later in the day. In one burglary the actor approached a sleeping female and stole money from her purse. He broke into a neighboring home but was confronted by a 180 lb St Bernard. He then opted to flee the scene.
Other similar burglaries have occurred on Belview Ave, Corey Rd and White Oak Lane.
The actor is described as a black male, light skinned, short in height, jeans, dark sweatshirt
Contractor Fraud Arrest
The Bensalem Police Dept and the Bucks County District Attorney’s office are announcing the arrest of Jason Matthews for defrauding victims in performing contracting work at their homes. Currently 19 victims have come forward since the crime spree began in 2003. So far Mathews, 35 yrs of age with a last known address of Juniper Ln in Bensalem, has defrauded the victims in excess of $65,000. He has been conducting business under the following company names. (J.C.M. ELECTRIC /AFFORDABLE CONTRACTOR / TRADE MARK HOME REMODELING). Most of Matthews’ victims, if not all, originally contacted him through the web site Craig’s List. Matthews would agree to perform contractor work with the 19 victims. He then would take their deposits from the victims and never returns to do the work or does very little work usually only demolition. In some cases the victims contacted Matthews and asked for their money to be returned. Matthews told the victims to go to court and file a private complaint. He is being charged with the following Felony charges: Theft, Theft by Deception, Receiving Stolen Property and Deceptive & Fraudulent Business Practices along with several other related charges.
Bensalem police have been in contact with victims who span five Counties including Bucks, Philadelphia, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties at this point. Some of Matthews’ victims are elderly people over the age of 70. It is believed that there will be several charges that will be filed under the Attorney Generals new Contractor Law.
Mathews was arraigned by Magisterial Judge Leonard J. Brown and bail was set at $850,000. Mathews was sent to Bucks County Prison.
Bensalem Police and the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office are requesting that any individuals with similar complaints involving Jason Matthews contact Detective John Monaghan Bensalem PD at (215)633-3668 / jmonaghan@bensalem-township.org or Assistant District Attorney Adam Tanker at (215)348-6016 / ahtanker@co.bucks.pa.us
Jason Mathews
Narcotics Arrest/Stolen Handgun
On 12/08/09 Bensalem Police and the FBI’s Bucks County Violent Gang Task Force arrested 36 yr old Ralph Camacho (no fixed address) and 25 yr old Kathryn Galbraith from Fitzwatertown Rd Willow Grove after they were both found to be in possession of a pound of marijuana, multiple bundles of heroin, crack cocaine, cash and a stolen handgun. Both were under investigation for selling narcotics in the area of the 2300 blk of Lincoln Hwy Trevose.
Camacho and Galbraith were charge with possession with the intent to deliver, carrying a firearm without a license, receiving stolen property and conspiracy. They were arraigned by Judge Benz and sent to Bucks County Correctional Facility on 100,000.00 bail.
Ralph Camacho Kathryn Galbraith
ARMED ROBBERY
On Sunday, 03/15/09 at approximately 3:30 AM Bensalem Police responded to the 7-11 located at 1644 Street Road for a report of a hold up alarm. Upon arriving police determined that the store had just been robbed. The clerk stated a white male entered the store wearing a black mask displaying a "large" black semi-automatic handgun. The actor ordered the clerk to open the register while pointing the gun at him. After the actor stole an undetermined amount of cash, he fled the scene.
Police are asking for the publics help in identifying the armed subject. He was described as a white male approx. 6’0 tall wearing a ski mask that covered everything but his mouth and eyes, a dark mid length jacket with a pocket on the upper right sleeve, dark jeans and black sneakers.
He should be considered armed and dangerous.
Anyone with information are asked to call Detective Larry Leith at 215-633-3700 or the anonymous tip line at 215-633-3660
Armed Robbery
Suspect involved in at least two additional
On Thursday, December 17, 2009, the Bensalem Township Police Department responded to an armed robbery at the 7 Eleven, located at Street Rd and Winsor Dr. The cashier reported that a white male entered the store and pointed a black semi automatic handgun at him. The suspect demanded money and a carton of Newport Cigarettes. The suspect then fled the store with an unknown amount of U.S. currency and a carton of Newport cigarettes. The actor is a white male, possibly in his twenties, approximately 5'8", with a medium build. He was wearing a black hooded sweat shirt with a design on the front, a black scarf / mask to cover the lower portion of his face, dark Adidas style work out pants with a wide white stripe on the legs, and black sneakers. It was later discovered that the actor entered the Fox Hunt Tavern minutes before committing the robbery to use the bathroom.
This robbery appears to be related to two previous robberies that were committed at the same 7 Eleven. In both these robberies the actor also dressed in a very similar fashion and displayed a black semi automatic hand gun. During the one robbery he assaulted the victim with the handgun.
Anyone with information pertaining to these investigations is asked to contact Bensalem Detectives at (215) 633-1719.
Aggravated Indecent Assault Arrest
On 12/23/09 Bensalem Police arrested Thomas Haines 42 yr old male from 1302 Gibson Rd Bensalem, for Aggravated Indecent assault and related charges. The Bensalem Police Special Victims Unit and the Bucks County Detectives conducted an investigation alleging that the actor sexually assaulted his 18 yr old daughter. The victim had recently reconnected with her father after being apart since she was a child. The investigation began in late October when the victim, whose name is not being released, reported that the actor assaulted her on several occasions.
Charges were filed and the actor was arrested today at a business in Bristol. He was arraigned by Magisterial Judge Falcone and sent to Bucks County Prison on 1,000,000 cash bail.
Thomas Haines
New Jersey State Employee Arrested for
Child Pornography
On 12/24/09 the Bensalem Police Special Victims Unit assisted by Bristol Twp Police arrested 29 yr old Anthony Masucci Jr from the Appletree Section of Bristol Twp, for allegedly viewing and downloading pornographic videos of pre-pubescent females engaging in sexual acts. Masucci, a New Jersey State employee working for the Department of Banking and Insurance, was a target of an investigation by the Bensalem Twp Special Victims Unit in conjunction with Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC).
A search warrant was executed at his residence on Aspen Ln in Levittown. As a result of the investigation Masucci was taken into custody and charged Possessing Child Pornography and Criminal Use of a Communication Facility. Both Felony Offenses.
He was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Joseph Falcone and sent to Bucks County Prison in lieu of $500,000 or 10% bail.
Anthony Masucci Jr.
Pocketbook thefts from the Elderly
Bensalem Police are asking for help from the Public .On Wednesday, December 16, 2009 Bensalem Police handled a theft of a purse from the ShopRite located at 2200 Bristol Rd in Bensalem Township. The victim, a 77 year old female, was shopping inside when the theft occurred. A review of video captured the theft as it happened. The actor is described as a white female, medium to large build, with long brownish colored hair wearing blue hospital scrubs with a white fleece coat and a gray baseball type hat, pushing a shopping cart.
On October 8, 2009 at approximately 1450 hours another theft of a purse occurred at the ShopRite. The victim again was a 76 year old female who was standing in the meat aisle and as she was turned a female actor walked by and grabbed her purse from her shopping cart. This incident was also captured on store surveillance. The female appears to be the same person in both videos.
Below are two still images of the actor from the most recent theft at ShopRite. Bensalem Police are asking anyone who recognizes the female, victimizing the elderly, in the below photos to contact Detective Thomas Jackson at 215-633-3719 or the anonymous tip line at 215-633-3660
Identity Theft Ring Arrested
On January 4, 2010 Officers from the Bensalem Police Special Investigations Unit were conducting surveillance at a room inside the Red Roof Inn 3100 Lincoln Highway, Trevose, PA. A Subsequent investigation found evidence of narcotics in the room. Additional surveillance was conducted when four black males were observed attempting to enter the room. As police approached one of the males, identified as 31 yr old Earl Johnson, he attempted to flee but was immediately apprehended. Johnson was found to have in his possession was several pieces of identification that belonged to several females including a $1,900.00 check.
Officers spoke with two victims who advised they had both been recent victims of theft. In both of those thefts, the victims' vehicles were broken into and their purses were stolen. In addition to Johnson, three other males were detained and identified as 30 yr old Armone Stanley, 22 yr old Ronny Lodge and 23 yr old Javaris Williams. Additional evidence was found on Stanley's person that led police to additional victims. Those victims were contacted and one advised that her purse was stolen from her vehicle on January 3, 2010 from a LA Fitness parking lot in Fort Washington, PA.
Police later searched the vehicle and recovered several cellular phones, IPods, 35 driver's licenses, five social security cards and 53 credit cards along with over 50 personal checks or checkbooks. There were between 90-100 separate individuals/victims from several states along the east coast, including this Pennsylvania, Florida, Delaware, Georgia, New Jersey and Connecticut.
Police Information provided to Law Enforcement Agencies originating from the Upper Merion Police Department advised of an organized theft from vehicle and identity theft operation that was responsible for numerous thefts in the Philadelphia area over the past several weeks. All of the actors are from the Fort Lauderdale (Broward County) Florida area. Included in the Police information report was the thefts have spanned the entire east coast; All four subjects from this incident were from Fort Lauderdale area of Florida and are believed to be part of the wide spread operation.
Police are still in the process of contacting the victims. Multiple police agencies are currently conducting investigations and it is anticipated that the actors are involved in a large amount of additional crimes. If you have been a recent victim of identity theft please contact your local police department or contact the Bensalem Police Detective Division at 215-633-3719. The 4 suspects were arraigned by Magisterial Judge Robert Wagner and were sent to Bucks County Prison in lieu of $100,000 bail or 10%
Earl Johnson Ronny Lodge Armone Stanley Javaris Williams.
Suspect Arrested for
Child Pornography
On 01/04/2010 the Bensalem Police Special Victims Unit assisted by Middletown Police arrested 28 yr old Robert Lane from the 100 blk of Sandybrook Dr Langhorne for allegedly viewing and downloading pornographic videos of pre-pubescent females engaging in sexual acts. Lane was a target of an investigation by the Bensalem Twp Special Victims Unit in conjunction with Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC).
A search warrant was executed at his residence resulting in the discovery of 7 seven videos of child pornography.
Lane acknowledged downloading, viewing, and sharing child pornography on the internet. Possessing Child Pornography and Criminal Use of a Communication Facility. Both Felony Offenses.
He was arraigned by Magisterial Judge Robert Wagner who released the suspect with $250,000 unsecured bail.
Robert Joseph Lane
Attempt to identify
On 01/15/10 at 6:35 AM, Lou's Farm Market 2450 Bristol Pike was burglarized. The actor removed the window and frame from the bathroom. He stole three cash registers with $100 in each. He threw one register through the front door and exited in the front parking lot. Actor appears to be 5'10", w/m, slim built, dark jacket, jeans, white sneakers with black stripe, light color hood jacket under dark jacket. He is also wearing a black hat and black gloves. Unknown if a vehicle was used.
Anyone with information are asked to contact Detective Steve Clark at 215-633-3680 or the anonymous tip line at 215-633-3660
.BMP)
.BMP)
Armed Robbers Arrested
On Friday, 01-22-10 Bensalem Police arrested 19 yr old Dyron Edwards from the 1300 blk of Arundel Way and 19 yr old Anthony Blake , Ballad Ln Willingboro NJ. Both have been charged with Armed Robbery and related offenses. At approx. 8:35 PM officers responded to 3131 Knights Rd, Bucks Meadows Apts, near the pool area for a robbery in progress.
Officers arrived in the area and spoke to two victims, identified as 18 and 19 yrs of age. Both stated they were walking from a convenience store towards the Apartment complex when they were approached by two males. Both males were described as having their faces covered, wearing all black clothing, and displayed a revolver style handgun. One male pointed the gun at the victims and demanded personal property. The victims turned over their property before the actors fled the scene.
Bensalem Police quickly set up a perimeter. Officers observed two males fitting the description. They both were later identified as the robbers. Since the gun was not recovered Bensalem K-9 Officer Jim McGinty and his K-9 partner Axel conducted a search of the area and subsequently located and recovered a loaded .38 caliber hand gun.
Both actors later arraigned by Magisterial Judge Kline and sent to Bucks County Prison in lieu of $25,000 10% bail.
Dyron Edwards Anthony Blake
Dwelling Fire
Bensalem Police and the Fire Marshalls Office are investigating a suspicious fire that occured early this morning on the 2800 blk of Carter Rd. Police report the home was completley engulfed in flames when they arrived.
Shooting
On 01/23/10 at approx. 3:45 AM Bensalem Police responded to a shooting at 310 Palton Rd. Investigation found that a party was in the processes of breaking up for the evening. Guests were invited via a social network. When the resident of the home realized someone stole his phone, his friends asked some people if they knew anything about it. However several individuals got upset and began an argument. One male later identified as Daniel Potepa pulled out a handgun and fired several shots striking 23 yr old Bensalem resident Anchul Rastogi. The victim was rushed to Frankford Aria where he underwent emergency surgery. He is listed in Critical Condition.
Daniel Potepa was later arrested and arraigned then sent to Bucks County Correctional Facility in lieu of $3,000,000 bail.
