PA Chief Charged with Failing to Report Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Deputy Chief

A Pennsylvania fire chief is facing obstruction of justice charges for failing to report allegations that his deputy chief sexually abused a junior firefighter. Fire Chief Thomas Weber of the Folcroft Fire Department has been charged with failing to report suspected child abuse, endangering the welfare of a child, and obstructing an investigation.

Chief Weber, 52, is accused of not reporting allegations against former Folcroft Deputy Fire Chief Matthew Bateman, 28. The allegations involved sexual misconduct that took place at the firehouse. According to CBS News, Chief Weber received three reports about Chief Bateman in mid-November, 2022. Both chiefs were suspended in December when Chief Bateman was charged criminally.