Police looking for Chester County man who attempted to buy firearms illegally

KENNETT SQUARE— Police are looking for a Chester County man in connection with an incident in which he attempted to purchase firearms illegally.

An arrest warrant was issued for Byron Mordecai, on February 13, 2023, for the following incident: On June 30, 2022, Kennett Square Police were contacted by the Pennsylvania State Police Investigation Unit regarding an individual, later identified as Byron Mordecai, from Spring City, PA, who had attempted to acquire firearms through a licensed firearms dealer, located in Kennett Square Borough. The dealer conducted a background check through the Pennsylvania Instant Check System and the information obtained through the background check indicated Byron Mordecai is prohibited from acquiring a firearm. Charges of Sale or Transfer of Firearms and Unsworn Falsifications to Authorities were filed at District Court.

Police reports from across the region:

Kennett Square Warrant

Felipe Cruz-Flores was extradited for the following warrant after serving several years in an out of state prison for unrelated charges. Cruz-Flores is currently wanted for failing to appear in court for charges related to retail theft and fleeing from police during an investigation at a business in the 400 block of East South Street on June 18, 2012.

Nancy Ortiz-Ocha, 39, of Kennett Square was charged with Simple Assault and Harassment, following an incident in which she allegedly struck a male subject in the upper, left arm with a large umbrella approximately three to four times causing minor swelling and bruising. This incident occurred on January 28, 2023, at approximately 3:52 p.m., in the 600 Block of Crossing Court, Kennett Square Borough. A criminal complaint was filed with District Court on Feb. 10, 2023.

Parkesburg Drug charges

Police conducting a traffic investigation, the result of a suspended driver’s license, discovered illegal contraband (drugs) in the vehicle being operated by Montes Lizandra. Police confiscated marijuana from the vehicle and related smoking devices for testing. The defendant was released pending a summons.

West Chester Defiant trespass

On February 08, 2023, at approximately 2 p.m., officers responded to Meridian Bank, 16 West Market Street, for a report of trespassing. After an investigation, Gerardo Guzman Gonzalez, 31, of West Chester was taken into custody for trespassing and theft. A preliminary hearing is pending at District Court.

Drug charges

On Feb. 3 at approximately 4:20 p.m. officers with the West Chester Borough Police Department conducted a vehicle stop on the 50 block of North Bolmar Street. During the course of this traffic stop, the operator of the vehicle, Edward Henderson, 60, of West Chester) was found to be in possession of cocaine. Henderson was arrested and transported back to the West Chester Borough Police Department. Henderson was then processed and transported to the Chester County Prison.

Drug charges

On Feb. 5 at approximately 12:11 a.m., officers conducted a traffic stop in the 100 block of West Rosedale Avenue. Through investigation, the passenger, Robert Valencia, 32 of Downey, CA, was found in possession of Fentanyl, Marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.

Valencia was taken into custody without incident and processed at the West Chester Police Department. Valencia was later transported to the Chester County Prison where he was lodged for his charges. A preliminary hearing is pending at District Court.

Theft by unlawful taking

On Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023 at approximately 9:47 p.m., officers responded to a residence on the 100 block of W. Market Street for a disturbance. Through investigation, it was determined that Domenic Giordano III, 24, from Chadds Ford had recently taken property belonging to a victim on location. Giordano also vandalized the victim’s bedroom. Giordano was transported to Chester County Prison for arraignment. A preliminary hearing is pending at District Court.

Receiving stolen property

On February 05, 2023, at approximately 5:15 p.m., officers responded to a report of a recovered stolen vehicle in the 100 block of Sharpless St. As a result of an investigation, Abdur NaheemSelby, 22 from Philadelphia was taken into custody for receiving stolen property and unauthorized use.

Oxford Domestic

On February 8, 2023 the Oxford Police were dispatched to the 300 Blk Broad Street for a reported physical domestic disturbance. After further investigation and observing injuries to the victim, the actor, Leonardo Garcia, 34, of Oxford, was taken into custody. Garcia was transported to the Oxford District Court for arraignment and was released after posting 10 percent of a $10,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for February 28, 2023.