Former state trooper arrested on charges of child rape

The Chester County District Attorney's Office issued a press release on March 2nd announcing that former State Trooper Darren Lawrence had been arrested and charge with child rape.

On February 21, 2020, a twenty-two year old female reported that the defendant, Darren Lawrence, sexually assaulted her when she was between the ages of nine and twelve. The sexual abuse occurred when the victim’s mother left the child in the care of the defendant in various locations in Chester County. The victim stated that the assaults happened at least once a month for an approximate three year period.

That same day, Lawrence was first appeared before Magisterial District Judge Albert Iacocca and was arraigned on 113 charges.  Iacocca set his bail at $250,000.  Unable to post the bail amount, Lawrence was remanded to the custody of Chester County Prison where he remains.

Lawrence was charged with 36 counts each of aggravated indecent assault of child, endangering the welfare of a child and involuntary diviant sexual intercourse with a child.  Additionally Lawrence was charged with one count each of rape of a child, indecent assault of someone under 13, corruption of a minor, photographing a sex act involving a child and criminal attempted rape of a child.

"We will do everything possible to ensure we seek swift justice on behalf of the victim in this case. Child molesters will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law in Chester County,” District Attorney Deb Ryan said.

An initial preliminary hearing was conducted on March 4th, and a second is scheduled for March 11th.

According to WCAU, Lawrence was a member of the Pennsylvania State Troopers from November 1982 to July 2001.

A court records search showed that Lawrence was previously charged with personal tax evasion and related charges for which he received probation in 2002.

The Chester County DA's office is asking that anyone with information regarding this or other incidents involving the defendant contact Chester County Detective James Ciliberto at (610) 344-6866.