Past News
Robbery of Elderly Women Arrested
On Tuesday, February 24, 2009, at 1817 hours, Bensalem Township Police responded to the parking lot of the Philadelphia Park Casino for a reported Strong Arm Robbery. Upon the officers’ arrival the victim, an 85-year-old female stated that as she was walking out of the casino to her vehicle, an unknown actor approached, grabbed her pocketbook and knocked the victim to the ground. The actor fled the parking lot in a white Dodge mini van. The victim was transported to the hospital with minor injuries. Subsequent investigations conducted by Officer Michael Sheehy and Detective Thomas Jackson led to the identification of a female suspect and the vehicle she was driving. At 0130 hours, on February 25, 2009, investigating officers located the suspect as she was pulling into her neighborhood. She was driving the same white Dodge mini van that was observed leaving the scene of the robbery.
The suspect was identified as Marlene Yarnall from Bensalem Township. Yarnall was charged Robbery, Theft by Unlawful Taking, Receiving Stolen Property, and Simple Assault. She was arraigned and sent to Bucks County Prison in lieu of $100,000 bail, 10%.
Anyone with information relating to this investigation should contact Detective Thomas Jackson at (215) 633 - 3667 or 3712.
Marlene Yarnall
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
