Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele, Upper Dublin Township Police Chief Francis Wheatley, Cheltenham Township Police Chief John Frye, and Lower Merion Township Superintendent Michael J. McGrath have announced the arrest of Raheem White, 41, of Philadelphia, for multiple daytime residential burglaries, three attempted burglaries, and three sexual assaults across multiple local communities between July 13, 2020, and January 13, 2021. White’s alleged crimes took place in Cheltenham Township, Haverford Township, Upper Dublin Townshup, Springfield Township, Jenkintown, Lansdowne, and Philadelphia.
From the announcement:
The multi-jurisdictional investigation of these burglaries found that the defendant targeted homes where cars were not parked in the driveway, and he attempted to determine if the occupants were home by knocking on the front door.
He gained entry through smashed windows, an unlocked basement door and other means. Each of the burglarized houses had bedrooms that were ransacked, and primarily jewelry, cash and other easily transported items were stolen. Further, the investigation found that a white Mercedes-Benz was seen in the area of the burglaries or captured on video surveillance, similar to the vehicle owned by the defendant. Additionally, cellphone data also placed his phone in the same locations as each of the burglaries.
The investigation also found that in the course of three of the burglaries/attempted burglaries, the defendant had sexual interactions with the resident. The defendant placed his hands on one woman’s body, attempted to kiss an elderly woman, and ejaculated on a 102-year-old woman sitting in her home.
“Every burglary involves the loss of belongings, but it also steals the residents’ sense of safety and well-being in their own home,” said DA Steele. “And not only does this defendant break into people’s houses in broad daylight, but he exposes himself and performs a sex act in front of a 102-year-old woman, who had a hard time returning to her home. What an egregious act.”
White was charged with multiple counts including Felony Burglary, Attempted Burglary, Criminal Trespass–Breaking into a Structure, Theft by Unlawful Taking, Receiving Stolen Property, Indecent Assault, and Indecent Exposure.
He was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Patricia A. Zaffarano, who set bail at $1 million cash. The defendant was unable to post bail and was remanded to the Montgomery County Correctional Facility. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 2nd at 11:00 a.m. before Judge Zaffarano.
The case will be prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Scott Frank Frame and Lindsey Mills.
Investigators believe there may be more victims of burglaries or attempted burglaries by this defendant. Anyone who suspects they may have been a victim or who has pertinent information is asked to call Cheltenham Police at 215-885-1600 ext. 499, Upper Dublin Township Police at 215-646-2101, Lower Merion Township Police at 610-649-1000 or the Montgomery County Detective Bureau Crime Tip Line 610-278-DOIT (3648).