Former PA State Trooper Sexually Abused Young Girl In Chesco: DA

CHESTER COUNTY, PA — A former Pennsylvania state trooper has been charged with sexually abusing a young girl over the course of several years in Chester County, the District Attorney's Office announced.

Darren Lawrence, 59, of Wilmington, Delaware, faces numerous charges in connection with the incidents, which occurred between 2008 and 2010, officials said. Lawrence served as a state trooper from 1982 through 2000.

The victim, now a 22-year-old woman, reported the assaults to the District Attorney's Office on Feb. 21.

She told police that when she was between the ages of 9 and 12, her mother left her in the care of Lawrence routinely.

Lawrence committed "multiple acts" of abuse on the girl over a period of about three years, including kissing and sex, on a near-monthly basis, according to police.

In addition, Lawrence took nude photographs of the girl, police said.

The incidents took place in locations across Chester County, according to the DA's Office.

Lawrence was arrested on March 2 and bail was set at $250,000. He was unable to post bail and taken to Chester County Prison. He's been charged with rape of a child, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, aggravated indecent assault, and related counts.

It is not yet clear what attorney will be defending Lawrence.

A preliminary hearing is set for March 4.