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Theater Student Records Co-Stars in Restrooms, DA Says

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A West Chester University theater student is accused of recording video of more than 20 women, some who he shared the stage with, in restrooms in three states.

Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan fears that suspect Joshua Yannuzzi could have victimized more women.

“This defendant was a technological predator,” Hogan said in a Tuesday news release. “Using his ties in the theater community, he specifically targeted certain young women for hidden recordings in private places, all for his own sexual gratification. The victims, the victims’ friends and family, and the entire theater community have been betrayed.”

Yannuzzi, 24, was scheduled to perform as part of next month’s performance of “My Fair Lady” at West Chester.

On Oct. 10 a woman using a single-person restroom at the O.E. Bull Center on the West Chester campus discovered an iPhone taped to the bathroom, pointed toward the toilet and recording, Hogan’s office said. The woman turned the phone over to police.

Surveillance video revealed Yannuzzi entering the restroom before the woman and then checking the restroom after the woman left, authorities said.

A search of Yannuzzi’s phone and online records, along with interviews revealed that he “targeted young women he knew” through the theater community, the Chester County District Attorney’s Office said. “He would hide his iPhone inside a bathroom and surreptitiously record women in various states of nudity.”

He also used a “Spy Camera” app to photograph women, investigators said.

Investigators found that Yannuzzi had recorded women more than 50 times at theaters from Philadelphia to Rising Sun, Maryland, to Reading, Pennsylvania, to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, over the past two years. In the process he inadvertently captured himself on camera at least two times, authorities said.

He posted at least one video online where it was viewed more than 1,000 times, Hogan said.

Yannuzzi faces a total of 151 counts of wire-tap violations, distribution of obscene materials, criminal use of a communication facility and invasion of privacy. It was unclear if he has an attorney who could comment on his behalf and he didn’t respond to NBC10’s request for comment.

West Chester banned Yannuzzi from campus. The university applauded the actions of the student who came forward after finding the phone.

“The University finds the invasion of privacy deeply disturbing and takes the matter seriously,” West Chester said in a statement. “As such, WCU is cooperating fully with the County District Attorney's Office and is collaborating in an investigation that is being conducted with urgency. University police and security will be increasing patrols in campus buildings. We encourage all members of our community to do the same, in order to maintain the safety of this campus.”

Hogan asked anyone with information to contact Chester County Det. Robert Balchunis at 610-344-6866.

“We need other victims to come forward to help us prosecute this defendant,” Hogan said. “Anybody who had contact with Josh Yannuzzi in theater productions or living arrangements is a potential victim.”



Photo Credit: Photos provided by the Chester County District Attorney's Office

The Impact of Filter Fascination

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Whether it's taking a selfite at an event or facetiming with a loved one, more than ever, we're taking a better look at ourselves. The popularitiy of social media and apps that allow you to change your appearance are becoming the new normal. We take a look at the "filter fascination" and talk to experts about its impact.

Connecting Parents and Teens Through Hard Times

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It is not always easy for teenagers to communicate their struggles or concerns with their parents. Dr. Ken Ginsburg, professor of pediatrics at the Children's Hopsital of Philadelphia, has created ParentandTeen.com to help children and adults navigate through that tough time.



Photo Credit: NBC10

More Than Half of Millennials Will Definitely or Probably Vote, Survey Finds

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More than half of millennials say they will definitely or probably vote in next week's elections, according to a new NBC News/GenForward Survey.

Thirty-one percent said they will definitely vote while another 26 percent of respondents said they probably will, according to the survey. About 20 percent said they would probably or definitely not vote.

Young voters don't feel represented by Congress, the survey found. Even among likely millennial voters, two-thirds said it doesn't do a good job of representing people like them.

Among all millennials, the quality in a candidate that mattered most to the group was whether they could bring needed change, followed by whether they shared the respondent's values.



Photo Credit: Paul Bersebach/DFM/Orange County Register via Getty Images

Woman's Terrifying Hit-and-Run in NJ Caught on Camera

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Shocking video footage shows a young woman in northern New Jersey survive a hit and run after being struck by a car that veered from across the street as she was walking home, police say.

Englewood Police say that on Oct. 17, at around 11 p.m., the young woman was walking home after work on East Englewood Avenue, when an oncoming car veered across the street and hit her as she walked on the sidewalk.

The young woman was sent tumbling over the hood of the vehicle, ended up landing on her back and then bouncing to her feet, police say, adding that the vehicle fled the scene.

The 18-year-old allegedly made it back to her home, which was close to the scene of the accident, and called authorities. Officers responded and she was later transported to a local hospital where she was treated and released for back and leg injuries.

The entire incident was caught on camera by a security system. Additionally, detectives located several parts of the suspect vehicle’s front end.

Due to the video and the recovered car parts, police say they determined that the suspect vehicle was a 2008-2012 Honda Accord. Subsequently, authorities were able to local similar vehicles registered in the area thanks to the help of New Jersey’s Motor Vehicle Services.

On Tuesday, Oct. 23, at around 10 p.m. detectives allegedly found the suspect vehicle parked on a street in Leonia and its registered owner, Jonathan Hintze, was located and later charged in connection with the hit and run.

Hintze, 30, was charged with aggravated assault with a weapon, aggravated assault with a motor vehicle and knowingly leaving an accident scene involving injury.

Attorney information for Hintze was not immediately known.



Photo Credit: Englewood City Police Department

Pa. Principal Admits to Stealing Drugs From Nurse, Resigns

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A principal of a Chester County high school is out of a job after he admitted to taking prescription medications from the nurse’s office, the school district said.

Great Valley High School Principal Michael Flick resigned from the Malvern school, effective immediately, school district Superintendent Regina Speaker Palubinsky said in a letter sent to parents and guardians Tuesday.

Flick, a 1992 graduate of Great Valley who became principal in 2009, admitted his involvement with the theft of pills and is “seeking treatment,” the district said.

“This news comes as a tremendous shock to our school community, and there are many details that we are not able to share,” Palubinsky said. “However, together, we will work through this difficult time. Mr. Flick’s intent was not to harm students, and he has asked that we share with you his apology and deep regrets.”

The district shared a letter that Flick sent them:

“I deeply regret any pain I may have caused, and I apologize to anyone who feels I have let them down,” Flick said. “It is with a very sad heart that I am resigning as principal as I seek treatment and rehabilitation and the opportunity to focus on my health and family. I encourage anyone dealing with these issues to reach out for help. May our students view my experience as a reminder that seeking professional help is always the right decision.”

Flick was arrested and arraigned on multiple theft and drug charges and posted bond Tuesday, court records said.

Around 1,300 students in grades 9 to 12 attend Great Valley. Dr. Heidi Capetola, an assistant principal at Great Valley since 2012, is taking over as principal, Palubinsky said.

Great Valley is meeting with staff to ensure that they are giving students guidance about mental health and substance abuse services, Palubinsky said. Counselors will be on hand and Flick’s sudden departure will be addressed with students Wednesday.

“We are committed to proactively offering support services to our school community,” she said.



Photo Credit: Great Valley School District

Need a Last-Minute Halloween Costume for Cheap?

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No idea what to be for Halloween? Head to your local thrift shops where you're sure to come across endless costume possibilties.

Fire Rages at Montco Car Dealership

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A fire ravaged part of a Montgomery County car dealership overnight.

Heavy smoke and flames spewed from the service bay area of Carfagno Chevrolet along Ridge Pike in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, around 1 a.m. Wednesday, Plymouth Fire Company Fire Chief Mitch Kijak said.

No one was in the dealership at the time. One firefighter suffered a non-life threatening injury after being struck by a hose during the hour-long firefight, Kijak said.

Car fuel tanks, tires and other items caused minor explosions as firefighters battled the blaze, Kijak said.

“I was just really scared,” witness Emily Yeager, who lives nearby and was sleeping when the fire broke out, said.

Firefighters battled some water issues and managed to mostly keep the fire damage contained to the service area, which is behind the main showroom, Kijak said.

No word yet on the full extent and cost of the damage to the dealership.

The cause of the blaze remained under investigation.



Photo Credit: NBC10

I-95 in Delaware Closes for Bridge Inspections

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If Interstate 95 in Delaware is part of your daily commute, you may need to find a different route for the next couple of days or plan to pack some patience.

DelDOT’s Bridge Management Section crews are inspecting the bridge underneath Naamans Road in Wilmington Wednesday and Thursday.

From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day there will be rolling closures in both directions.

“I-95 Northbound lanes and shoulders may be temporarily closed,” DelDOT said in a news release. “Motorists will take the ramp and return to I-95 Northbound.”

“I-95 Southbound lanes and shoulders will be closed with lane shifts,” DelDOT said. “At all times, one lane southbound on I-95 will remain Open to traffic.”

Possible closures on I-495 northbound could also happen.

DelDOT warned drivers to be ready to slow down and to watch out for crews working near travel lanes. 



Photo Credit: Google Maps

Salus University is Looking Out for Philadelphia Kids

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The Eye Institute of Salus University is hosting its 12th annual charity fundraiser this weekend.The event raises money that continues the organizations’ partnership with Philadelphia schools, which give students free vision screening and follow-up care. Dr. Michael Mittelman, the president of Salus University, is here to share all of the details.

Philly Officer Who Shot, Killed Unarmed Man to Be Fired

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A Philadelphia police officer who shot and killed an unarmed man in the Germantown section of the city last year will be fired, Police Commissioner Richard Ross announced Wednesday.

Ross said Officer Eric Ruch Jr., 30, was not justified in using lethal force when he shot Dennis Plowden, 25, on the night of Dec. 27, 2017.

Investigators say Plowden was driving a 2013 Hyundai northbound on Ogontz Avenue shortly after 8:30 p.m. that night. A 27-year-old woman was sitting in the passenger seat.

Ruch, who was in an unmarked vehicle at the time, spotted the Hyundai, which was wanted in connection to a homicide, investigators said. Ruch then requested other units respond to the area to assist.

Ruch followed Plowden to the intersection of 16th Street and Nedro Avenue and stopped his vehicle. Three more officers then responded to the scene. As the officers approached the vehicle, Plowden allegedly accelerated, striking the passenger door of a police car and hitting an officer. He then continued down Nedro Avenue at a high speed, police said.

Officers momentarily lost sight of the Hyundai but then found two parked vehicles with extensive damage on the 1900 block of Nedro Avenue.

The officers then spotted the Hyundai across the street and saw Plowden, who was unarmed, sitting on a sidewalk with his hand placed in his jacket pocket, according to investigators. The officers aimed their weapons at Plowden and ordered him several times to show his hands, officials said. Ruch then fired one shot, striking Plowden in the left hand and the head.

Plowden was taken to the Einstein Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead.

The Philadelphia Police Department’s Use of Force Review Board investigated the shooting and determined Plowden was dazed and confused at the time of the incident. On Wednesday, Commissioner Ross announced that Ruch was suspended for 30 days with the intent to dismiss.

Ross also said that Ruch used poor tactics when he opened fire on Plowden and "did not display the proper handling or discharge of his department issued firearm," in according with the department's use of force policy.

“The officer should’ve taken advantage of cover and concealment as the other three officers did,” Ross said. “This would’ve afforded him the opportunity to deescalate the situation where time was on his side. The other officers did not fire.”

It’s unknown at this time whether the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office will pursue charges against Ruch, who is a 10-year veteran of the 35th District.

The December incident was the second time Ruch was involved in a shooting last year. He was one of three officers placed on administrative duty following the shooting of Tyler Nichols, an alleged drug dealer, back on Feb. 15, 2017.

The shooting occurred in the East Germantown section of Northwest Philadelphia, which is also where Plowden was shot. During the incident Ruch and two other officers tried to stop the suspect as he left what was described at the time as a "known drug house."

Nichols, who suffered bullet wounds to his torso and legs, was arrested. A gun which came back stolen from Upper Darby was recovered by police.

The Fraternal Order of Police released a statement regarding Officer Ruch.

“We will represent officer Eric Ruch Jr. against these latest allegations," they wrote. "Our attorneys will gather all the facts of the case and appropriately defend the officer.”

More Casinos Get Sports-Betting Licenses in Pennsylvania

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Pennsylvania is approving sports betting at three more casinos as it gets closer to becoming the sixth state with sports betting.

Regulators on Wednesday awarded sports betting licenses to SugarHouse Casino in Philadelphia, Harrah's Philadelphia Casino in Chester and Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh. 

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board earlier this month awarded licenses to Hollywood Casino near Hershey and suburban Philadelphia's Parx Casino, which also received approval for an off-track betting parlor it owns in Philadelphia. 

Sports betting could start as early as November if a casino meets other requirements, such as training personnel and passing equipment tests. Owners of Pennsylvania's 12 casinos can pay a $10 million fee to operate sports betting. 

The U.S. Supreme Court in May cleared the way for states to legalize sports betting.

Midterm Elections Could Lead to Record Number of Women Representatives in Our Area

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Seven women are currently running for congress in our area and we may have a record number of women representing our communities in congress after the midterm elections.

Cars Damaged During Mischief Night

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Vandals caused mayhem on Mischief Night in a Delaware County community. Cars were damaged and police believe that a group of kids is to blame. Police arrested a 16 year old boy but they are still looking for other suspects. 

Police Throw Halloween Party for Children in Kensington

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Police in Kensington are stepping up to take care of trick-or-treaters in the area. Officers with the 24th district gave children a Halloween party to show them the bright side of the neighborhood.


NJ Teacher Accused of Sexually Assaulting Student

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A Camden County, New Jersey, teacher is accused of sexually assaulting one of his students.

Brantley Cesanek, 30, was arrested and charged with multiple counts of sexual assault, endangering the welfare of a child and official misconduct.

Cesanek teaches Latin at Cherokee High School in Haddon Township, New Jersey.

Investigators say Cesanek had a sexual relationship with the student when she was between the ages of 16 and 17 throughout 2016 and 2017.

Local authorities became involved when reports surfaced of sexual assaults taking place in Cesanek’s home on the 300 block of South Park Drive in Haddon Township.

Cesanek was arrested Tuesday. He is being held at the Camden County Correctional Facility.

Officials continue to investigate. If you have any information, please call  Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Melvin Rogers at 609-265-5035 or Camden County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Lateasha Jones at 856-225-8656.



Photo Credit: Pexels/CC

NBC10 Responds: Business Owner Deals With Gift Card Problems

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A small business owner says honoring gift cards is now costing her money. So she reached out to NBC10 Responds for help.

Gunman Shoots 2 Children Who Were Trick-or-Treating in Olney

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A teen girl and her younger brother are recovering after they were shot while trick-or-treating in the Olney section of Philadelphia Wednesday night. 

The 14-year-old girl and her 5-year-old brother were walking on the 5700 block of Hope Street and Grange Avenue near the One & Olney Shopping Center around 6:15 p.m. when two gunmen fired at least six shots at each other.

The boy was shot once in the left leg while his sister was grazed in the right leg.

A bullet also went through the bedroom window of an occupied home, though no one inside was hurt. Another bullet struck a nearby car.

The sister and brother were taken to the hospital and are in stable condition. Their mother is with them, police said.

No arrests have been made and a weapon has not been recovered.

Police did not release detailed descriptions of the two gunmen but say one was wearing a red and white mask and they both had on dark clothes. Both gunmen were seen running north on Hope Street after the shooting.

SkyForce10 was over the scene of the shooting and spotted candy spilled out on the sidewalk.

If you have any information on the incident, please call Philadelphia Police.



Photo Credit: Jorge Gonzalez

‘Super Bowl Baby’: A One-Off or a Legacy?

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You might remember this: On Feb. 4, with 38 seconds remaining in the second quarter, Nick Foles caught a touchdown pass, gave his team a halftime lead over the Patriots, and led the Eagles to their first Super Bowl win.

And on Oct. 30, almost exactly nine months after Super Bowl MVP Foles’ historic catch, newborn Layla Grace Foles Castelli made her way into the world.

The name, her father admits, was his idea.

Mario Castelli is a Bedford, N.J. resident and a long-time Eagles fan.

“My wife Anna was a bit skeptical,” he adds, “but I told her that if it wasn’t for the way Nick Foles played during the Super Bowl, we wouldn’t be having this baby.”

As it turns out, Layla isn’t the only Super Bowl baby in town. Some say there’s been a spike in births in the Philly region this fall, just around nine months after the Birds made their flight to victory.

If so, it wouldn't be the first time that sports victories have prompted baby booms. A 2013 study published in the British Medical Journal investigated the correlation between Spanish soccer team wins and local hospital birth statistics, and concluded that the "heightened euphoria" of perceived victory was often correlated with heightened levels of ... human conception.

So, we wondered, what did Philly local hospitals have to say?

At Holy Redeemer Hospital in Bucks County, there’s been a noticeable increase in birth numbers. Between Oct. 24 and Oct. 31 last year, Holy Redeemer saw 54 births. 

In the same date range this year, they’ve seen 72, said Maryanna Rodabaugh, the hospital’s corporate communications manager.

When asked if she’d correlate the spike to the Eagles’ win nine months ago, Rodabaugh said it was very possible.

“I mean, most people in the region were in a celebratory mood around the Super Bowl," Rodabaugh said. "Who knows?"

Other hospitals are more skeptical. At Abington Hospital, their senior director of media relations says, birth numbers are perfectly average. “We had 180 deliveries a year ago for these two weeks and we’re at 171 right now, so no spike here.”

Are these birth numbers the long-range effects of the Philly Special? Or is this just coincidence? The jury’s still out.

Meanwhile, little Castelli is heading home to her family of diehard Eagles fans. As if her name isn’t enough to prove it, her dad says she’s got a wardrobe full of Birds gear waiting for her at home.

After all, there’s no time to waste.

We’ve got a whole new generation of Philly sports fans on the rise.



Photo Credit: Getty Images/Castelli Family

Local Pilot Dies in New York Helicopter Crash

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A local pilot as well as a passenger were killed after a helicopter crashed into power lines in New York. The chopper was owned by a company based in Atlantic County, New Jersey. We have the latest on the victims and the investigation.

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