Accusers Of Alleged Falls Twp. Serial Child Molester Speak Out

Two accusers of alleged serial child sexual predator William Thomas, the “real life boogeyman” of Bucks County, spoke out at a Wednesday press conference at the Network of Victim Assistance (NOVA) office.

“JS” and “JM,” as they are identified in police paperwork, spoke to the press on Wednesday to give statements about their status as victims in the Thomas case, which Bucks County prosecutors said one the worst in recent memory. JS and JM make up two of the six victims the prosecution alleges in the case.

The crux of both statements hinges on getting victims who have not come forward to gather the courage they need and go to police.

At the times of 58-year-old Thomas’ arrest last month, Falls Township police and prosecutors said they had found six victims – who were molested between the ages of 2 and 10 – and believe there were more who had yet to step forward.

“Prior to standing up here today, I had a long debate as to whether or not I wanted to do this. But I feel as though not enough people come forward and speak up in situations like these and that is what makes it possible for these horrible predators to get away with these situations for so long. I want women all over to world to find courage like I did to speak up, to get the justice they deserve and to put predators like William away in prison like they belong. If you, yourself are a victim of William I encourage to come forward, to stand up for yourself,” JS, 23 said in part during her statement.

“I hope that anyone else that was affected by this man please step up, and you will be heard. Everyone deserves justice for this horrific incident,”  JM, now 26, said in part during her statement.

The investigation into Thomas’ crimes is ongoing, and the girls were unable to take questions following their statements.

“If anyone out there knows of somebody who has been victimized by this man or even has any information that may remotely advance our investigation, I urge you, I beg you, to contact us,” Weintraub said last month.

“I think that what these victims did today will give other people courage,” said Penelope Ettinger, the executive director of NOVA.

According to Charity O’Reilly, the counseling coordinator at NOVA, when an assaulted person reaches out, they are really taking the first steps towards healing their trauma.

One of the ways victims can talk to trained crisis intervention specialists and counselors is by calling NOVA’s 24-Hour Victim Support Hotline at 1-800-675-6900. By calling this number, victims can receive live crisis intervention by trained individuals, schedule free counseling appointments at NOVA and maybe most importantly, just talk to somebody.

By calling the number, victims will be believed and validated. Counselors will meet them at the emergency room if they are planning to receive a trauma-related medical evaluation.

On a normal week, the center receives about 75 calls each week on the crisis hotline.

Victims of any kind of assault are encouraged to reach out and call NOVA if they are in need of help, or just need to talk about their situation.

Thomas, who owned Thomas Construction and worked at several Levittown-area mobile home communities as a handyman, reportedly told investigators he gained the trust of parents and children in the mobile home communities in the area. He even is alleged to have told detectives he would steal the underwear and pictures of little girls from the homes of customers.

While investigators only have victims that trace the alleged molestations back to the 1990s, court documents indicate there is information that Thomas’ sexual interest in children dates to the 1970s.

Thomas is in prison unable to post bail.

Anyone who is a victim of William Thomas and wants to come forward to police or anyone who might have information to assist in the investigation are encouraged to contact Falls Township Detective Sgt. Chris Clark at 215-302-3315 or clarkpd@fallstwp.com; or Bucks County Detective Lt. Robert Gorman at 215-340-8141 or rmgorman@buckscounty.org.