'Big Kev' Most Wanted For Rape Of 7-Year-Old Girl: Chesco Sheriff

COATESVILLE, PA — A Delaware man known to frequent Chester County remains on the sheriff's most wanted list for the 1999 rape of a 7-year-old girl, authorities said.

Kevin Jay Purnell, now 47, committed the act in 1999, the sheriff's office said. The victim, a West Chester resident, came forward in 2005, and charges were filed.

When the young girl's mother confronted the man known as "Big Kev" about the incident, he admitted to "indecent contact," authoriteis said. However, he fled before police could arrest him.

Purnell, a resident of New Castle County in Delaware, was previously sentenced to up to 23 months in jail for a 1996 aggravated assault, and also was incarcerated for reckless endangerment and drug charges, court records state.

Purnell is 6 feet, 2 inches tall and weighs about 270 pounds, according to authorities. He should be considered armed and dangerous.

If you have any information, call anonymously 610-344-4333. Email tips to mostwanted@chesco.org.

Image via Chester County Sheriff's Office