Ahr Resigns Radnor Board Seat, More Charges May Be Filed

RADNOR TOWNSHIP, PA – After calls to step down completely from the board, Radnor Township Commissioner Phil Ahr vacated his seat representing Ward 7 and has a chance of facing additional charges as his child pornography case progresses through the legal system.

Ahr's resignation was accepted Monday night by township officials

But Radnor Township Police said disturbing content was discovered on Ahr's township-issued iPad when he turned it in.

Police said Delaware County detectives, who were unaware that Ahr had a township-issued iPad – now have the iPad and are examining it for any child porn-related material.

Police Superintendent William Colarulo said he is unsure if more charges will be filed.

Patch has reached out to Delaware County authorities for more information and will update the story when details are made available.

Below is Ahr's resignation letter:

"Dear Mr. Zienkowski,

The purpose of this letter is to provide written confirmation of my decision to resign as the Commissioner of the 7th Ward, Radnor Township, effective immediately.

First and foremost, I apologize for the personal mistakes I have made and the embarrassment I have caused that has damaged the public’s trust. I am mindful of the distraction the criminal allegations against me have created for the administration of government within the township. I apologize specifically to the constituents of the 7th Ward, my neighbors, and the township I have served for almost two years.

My immediate resignation is to allow me to focus on my own personal rehabilitation; to allow my colleagues on the Board of Commissioners to work on the issues facing the township; and to provide for the residents of the 7th Ward to be adequately represented by my replacement.

Sincerely,
Phil M. Ahr"

With Ward 7 residents unrepresented now, the Board of Commissioners will select a replacement commissioner for the ward in the next 30 days, Vice President Elaine Schaefer said at a special meeting Monday.

Schaefer said Ward 7 residents interested in filling the vacancy should send letters of interest and resume's to Zienkowski at the township building, 301 Iven Avenue, Radnor, PA 19087.

Ahr recently stepped down as the Board president, leaving Schaefer the acting president of the board.

Ahr, 66, of Radnor Township was arrested Oct. 11 on numerous counts of child pornography possession and distribution charges for images that depict children as infants engaged in sex acts with adults, the Delaware County District Attorney's office said.

>>RELATED: Radnor Commissioner Mentored Kids Before Child Porn Charges

Ahr, who was elected as the Board of Commissioners president in the summer, has been charged with 10 counts of disseminating child pornography, 50 counts of child pornography possession, 60 counts of criminal use of a communication facility, and 10 counts of attempted dissemination of child pornography, court records show. All of these charges are felonies.

Ahr is free on 10 percent of $100,000 bail and is slated to appear for his preliminary hearing on Thursday, Oct. 26.

Image via Delaware County District Attorney's Office