Pennsylvania State Police have charged a Berks County man in connection with a series of alleged burglaries targeting the homes of recently deceased residents.
According to the Berks County District Attorney’s Office, Derrick Raker was charged with eight counts of burglary, nine counts of persons not to possess firearms, and related offenses. Raker was arrested Thursday morning and arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Steven Chieffo, who set bail at $1 million secured.
Authorities allege that Raker regularly searched obituaries and then located the addresses of the deceased individuals. Investigators say he then burglarized the decedents’ residences, stealing numerous valuables, including a large number of firearms.
The alleged incidents span multiple municipalities in Berks County, including Ruscombmanor Township, Longswamp Township, Rockland Township, Lower Alsace Township, Brecknock Township and Exeter Township. An additional alleged burglary occurred in East Hanover Township in Lebanon County.
The District Attorney’s Office stated that anyone who believes a deceased relative may have been an additional victim in the investigation is encouraged to contact their local police department or Trooper Joshua Gresh of the Pennsylvania State Police.
As in all criminal cases, the charges filed are accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
