A part-time Morton Borough police officer was charged Tuesday in Delaware County with rape of a child and a string of related sex offenses, according to newly filed court papers. People close to the investigation told reporters the alleged victim is a relative. The officer is currently awaiting a preliminary hearing in county court.
Charges and court status
The criminal docket filed in Delaware County lists a slate of counts against Francis Collier, including rape of a child, involuntary sexual intercourse with a child, incest of a minor, indecent assault and endangering the welfare of children, according to CBS Philadelphia. The charges were filed this week, and Collier is identified on Morton's roster as a part-time officer, the outlet reported. Court records show he is awaiting a preliminary hearing, the next step before the case can move deeper into the county court system.
What the charges mean under state law
Under Pennsylvania law, rape of a child is one of the most serious sexual offenses and can carry prison terms that stretch for decades. Incest and endangering the welfare of children are separately punishable crimes, with grading that depends on the age of the alleged victim and the conduct described in the charging documents.
Key sections of the criminal code include 18 Pa.C.S. §3121 (rape) and 18 Pa.C.S. §4304 (endangering welfare of children). Related provisions on incest and indecent assault appear in the state code at Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. Penalties and grading vary by statute and by the circumstances alleged in each case.
Borough response and next steps
CBS Philadelphia reports that it reached out to Morton Borough officials, including the police chief, for comment but had not received a response at the time of publication. For now, the docket indicates Collier remains in the preliminary stages of the criminal process, with a hearing in Delaware County court expected to determine whether the case proceeds to higher court and to any further prosecutorial action.
Where to find case records
Docket sheets and upcoming hearing dates in the case are public records and can be searched through the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System's online case search portal. The state's case search is available at UJS Case Search. The Delaware County District Attorney's Office in Media handles criminal filings for the county and is the primary contact point for media and prosecutorial questions as the case moves forward.
