Criminal probe launched in Kennett

Kennett Square police have launched a criminal probe into a YMCA instructor who claimed she and her children were homeless as a result of the Jan. 25 fire at the four-story townhouse complex that is home to Victory Brewing Co.

The woman, a former employee of the Kennett Area YMCA, was terminated as soon as YMCA officials discovered the scheme. The woman’s name is being withheld until the criminal investigation is completed.

Police said the woman directly solicited YMCA members in her exercise classes, telling them she was a victim of the fire, when in fact she was not. YMCA members took up a collection, and notified the community of the need. As a result, gift cards, cash, toiletries and school supplies were collected.

Kennett Square Mayor Matt Fetick also said the woman set up a personal GoFundMe page in an effort to collect money.

The scheme unraveled when suspicious YMCA officials called Fetick for a list of residents who lived at the Victory townhouse complex, and asking whether the woman actually lived there. When Fetick found she in fact did not live there, he immediately notified police.

“I think the staff at the YMCA took all the right steps to right a wrong,” Fetick said. “We are trying to make the best of it by distributing all the gift cards we have.”

Fetick said the response to the woman’s request for help was overwhelming. Donations, including cash, are still coming in.

“Thirty-two people donated gift cards, and one person donated a dozen gift cards,” Fetick said.

Fetick said the gift cards and cash will go directly to the 32 people who were affected by the fire. Not all of the fire victims asked for help, he said. None are displaced as they are either staying with family, or homes provided by their insurance carriers.

The woman has not had access to any of the money or gift cards as her ruse unraveled quickly.

Theft by deception is a felony of the third degree, punishable up to seven years in prison and a fine up to $15,000 for crimes involving more than $2,000. For crimes less than $2,000, it is a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable up to five years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

Bill Holdsworth, Kennett Square police chief, said he does not yet know how much cash and gift cards were donated. He said there will be an announcement later in the week on the status of the case.

“We have a feeling this could spawn into additional claims,” Holdsworth said.

“I am confounded as to how anyone, but especially a YMCA staff member, could exploit a tragedy for personal gain and take advantage of our community’s generosity,” said Denise Day, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Brandywine. “It is in direct contrast to our YMCA core values and this individual’s employment with the YMCA has been terminated as a result.”

Anyone who feels they were solicited by the woman is being asked to contact Kennett Square Det. Chris Gravina, who is heading up the investigation, at cgravina@kennettsquarepolice.org or 484-631-6287.

Fetick said the community collection for the fire victims will end Saturday. Gift cards can be dropped off at Fetick’s office at 210 South Mill Road in Kennett Square, near Victory Brewing Co.

FRAN MAYE — MEDIANEWS GROUP Officials are investigating the cause of a fire and explosion at an apartment complex in Kennett Square that houses Victory Brewing Co.