Child Abuse Charges Filed Against Delco Non Profit Founder

MEDIA, PA — The founder of a Delaware County non-profit group that supports grandparents who are taking care of their grand children has been charged with child abuse.

Rhea Kelsall, 65, of Media, has been charged with felony endangering the welfare of a child, felony intimidation of a victim, simple assault, and related crimes.

Kelsall is the founder of Gratitude 4 Grandparents.

Gratitude 4 Grandparents is a registered non-profit that advocates for and supports grandparents raising minors.

According to the Delaware County Daily Times, Kelsall and Carl Haner IV, 66, also of Media, are accused of physically abusing two minor boys.

The outlet reports the children told authorities of excessive spanking, choking tripping, and aggressive grabbing.

One of the children said he was told not to talk about the alleged abused for fear of being beaten again.

Harner is charged with the same crimes, but is also charged with aggravated assault and strangulation, court records show.

Kelsall and Harner are free after posting 10 percent of $300,000 bail each.

They are scheduled for Aug. 17 preliminary hearings, court records show.