Former Delaware County Firefighter, Previously Charged With Arson, Accused Of Child Rape
MEDIA, Pa. (CBS) -- A former volunteer firefighter in Delaware County, who was previously charged with arson, is now facing child sexual assault charges.
Delaware County district attorney Jack Whelan announced today that 20-year-old John Corcoran, of Glenolden, Pa., is facing 161 counts of multiple charges, including the rape of a child.
According to investigators, Corcoran allegedly lured and groomed 14 child victims who range in age from 8 to 14 years old.
Whelan said Corcoran allegedly sexually assaulted the victims repeatedly over a two-year period.
Investigators say Corcoran alleged sexually abused most of his victims at his home in Glenolden, but also at the YMCA in Ridley and the Swedish Cabin in Upper Darby Township.
Prosecutors say most of his alleged abuse victims were boys, but some girls were also assaulted.
Whelan held a news conference Friday afternoon to announce the latest charges against Corcoran.
"This individual, John Corcoran, is a very dangerous child predator," said Whelan.
"He would use ploys and tricks, coercion, in order to lure these children. He would promise them toys, and money, and other things in order to get them to do sexual acts," said Whelan.
Investigators believe there could be more victims.
Back in August of last year, Corcoran was charged with arson and risking a catastrophe.
Police say Corcoran acknowledged setting fires to three vacant homes in Darby Township from May to July.
Police say no one was hurt in the fires, and that Corcoran fought the arson fires alongside his fellow firefighters.
Corcoran was a member of Goodwill Fire Company Number 1 of Darby Township.