Registered Sex Offender Abused 3 Teens In Exchange For Drugs: Chester Co. DA

WEST CHESTER, PA — A previously convicted and registered sex offender in Chester County man demanded sexual favors from children after supplying them with marijuana, the district attorney's office said.

Elijah Thomas, 28, of Downingtown, faces a slew of new charges including trafficking minors.

Both 14-year-old victims told police they had been communicating with Thomas on the social media platform Snapchat, authorities said.

Thomas provided them with THC and vape cartridges in exchange for sexual contact and nude photos, according to police.

A third victim, 17, said she had begun communicating with Thomas when she was 15 and that Thomas pressured similar favors in exchange for the marijuana, the DA's office said.

“Protecting children from sexual exploitation is a top priority for all Chester County law enforcement," District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe said in a statement.

In addition to trafficking minors, Thomas was charged with involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with minors, possession with intent to deliver controlled substances, and related counts.

Thomas is a Tier II registered offender, with past convictions for stalking and sexual contact with a minor.

He was arrested on Oct. 8 and was booked at Chester County Prison after failing to post $700,000 bail.

The investigation into Thomas remains ongoing. If you know someone who may have been victimized by him or have any information, contact the West Whiteland Police Department at 610-363-0200.