On Wednesday, October 16, 2019, the Berks County Detective’s Office received a Childline Referral from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Human Services, relative to the sexual abuse of a child victim who was identified as a five-year-old male.
The same date, the Bern Township Police Department contacted the Berks County Detective’s Office after receiving the initial complaint and conducting a preliminary investigation.
The Berks County Detective’s Office conducted a thorough criminal investigation, which yielded the following information:
On Tuesday, October 22, 2019, a Forensic Interview was conducted at the Children’s Alliance Center. During this Forensic Interview, the victim disclosed that he had been sexually assaulted by the defendant, who was positively identified as Darryl Thomas Hartman. The defendant was dating the victim’s mother and resided with the family. The sexual offenses occurred on multiple occasions dating back to August 1, 2019. The child also stated that the offenses occurred inside a residence located in Bern Township.
On Tuesday, December 10, 2019, the Berks County Detective’s Office filed criminal charges of Rape, Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse, Indecent Assault, Endangering Welfare of Children and Corruption of Minors against the defendant at Magisterial District Judge Brian Strand’s Office and an arrest warrant was issued for the defendant.
On Wednesday, December 18, 2019, at approx. 2:00 P.M., Hartman surrendered to the Berks County Detectives. He was immediately escorted to the Central Processing Center which is located in the Berks County Courthouse and released into the custody of the Berks County Sheriff’s Department. The defendant was fingerprinted and photographed. He was video arraigned by MDJ Strand. Bail was set at $75,000.00 straight and he was committed to Berks County Jail.
As in every criminal case, the fact that an arrest occurred or a complaint has been filed is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.