Strangling A Juvenile Lands Coatesville Man A Conviction

WEST CHESTER, PA –A 31-year-old Coatesville man was convicted in the Chester County Justice Center of choking a former 16-year-old girlfriend in his Valley Township home on Sept. 11, 2019

Curtis Thomas Jr. is awaiting sentencing after being convicted by a jury on Wednesday in a trial before Chester County Judge Alito A. Rovito.

Police said Thomas and his former girlfriend had an argument, and Thomas then choked the victim with his hands around her neck until she lost consciousness.

They said he also struck her several times causing lacerations and bruising to her face, neck, and chest.

Police said witnesses who were at the scene did not do anything to help the victim.

Thomas was represented by Philadelphia lawyer, Johnson C. Reginald.

Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan said domestic violence will not be tolerated.

“The horrific actions of the defendant against a teenage victim and his attempt to control, hurt, and demean her in front of others is something that no one should be subjected to,” Ryan said. “It takes great courage to come forward against an abuser. It also takes immense cowardice to stand by and let it happen. We expect better, especially for the protection of our youth.”

If you feel unsafe around someone you love, contact the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County’s 24/7 hotline at 888-711-6270 or 610-431-1430. Call 911 if you are in immediate danger.