Delco Fire Chief Obstructed Child Abuse Investigation: Authorities

FOLCROFT, PA — As Delaware County authorities pursue a child sex crime case against a former fire company deputy chief, that same company's chief has been charged with obstructing that same case.

Folcroft Fire Company Chief Thomas Weber, 52, of Folcroft, has been charged with endangering the welfare of children, failing to report suspected child abuse, and related crimes, according to court records.

The charges stem from the case against former Folcroft Deputy Fire Chief Matthew Bateman, who was charged in December with indecent assault of a person under 16 years old, institutional sexual assault of a minor, felony unlawful contact with a minor, felony trafficking in individuals, and related crimes.

Bateman is accused of kissing a 15-year-old, as well as fondling the teen's genitals, at the fire station for several months.

Folcroft Borough officials released a statement on Weber's charges Wednesday afternoon.

"As Chief Weber is entitled to a fair trial, and is presumed innocent until proven guilty, Council and the Mayor refrain from commenting at this time on the specific charges filed against Chief Weber," the statement reads. "However, Council and the Mayor remain steadfast in their position that those individuals entrusted to serve and protect our community are under a constant duty to protect children, including the prevention, deterrence, and reporting of suspected child abuse. Silence in the face of child abuse has no place in Folcroft Borough and will not be tolerated from mandated reporters employed by the Borough. Council and the Mayor welcome justice for everyone affected and our hearts go out to anyone affected by abuse. Folcroft Borough encourages anyone who suspects child abuse to report and cooperate with authorities by calling ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313."

As of Thursday morning, Weber was not listed as the company's fire chief on the fire company website.

Weber was released on $200,000 unsecured bail and has a preliminary hearing scheduled for June 8, court records show.