Chester man convicted on child rape, related charges

MEDIA COURTHOUSE – A Chester man was convicted on rape of a child and related charges Thursday for sexually abusing a young girl between October 2017 and March 2018.

“The sexual abuse of children is always deeply disturbing – and it is all the more so when it occurs with the knowledge and tacit consent of the child’s parent,” said Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer in a release announcing the verdict. “As the jury’s quick verdict in this case demonstrated, this defendant’s actions were utterly unconscionable. In the face of his abhorrent actions, I must commend the remarkable bravery of the two children who – with the invaluable assistance of the staff at the Children’s Advocacy Center – stepped forward to tell their story.”

The jury deliberated for about 20 minutes Thursday before convicting Alfredo “Freddy” Calderon, 39, of the 1200 block of E. Ninth Street, on charges of rape of a child, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, aggravated indecent assault, indecent assault, corruption of minors and endangering the welfare of children.

Folcroft Police Detective Corporal Daniel White received a report of possible child abuse occurring at an apartment on the 600 block of Grant Road in Folcroft and interviewed one of the victims in March 2018, according to an affidavit of probable cause.

The 4-year-old told White that “Freddy,” as she knew Calderon, would hit her across her face, leaving a red mark, and that he was sexually abusing her 7-year-old sister, touching her “hands … back, legs,” the affidavit says.
In a subsequent interview with the 7-year-old in September 2018, the child confirmed that Calderon on multiple occasions would remove her diaper and force sex on her. Both victims said that their mother was aware of the abuse, according to the affidavit.

White also interviewed the mother, who confirmed Calderon had lived with her and her children in Folcroft at the time of the alleged assaults, before her eviction in March 2018 when she went to jail, according to the affidavit. While the mother did not acknowledge the sexual abuse, she did say that she was aware of a time when Calderon had requested a massage from her 7-year old daughter, which she said made her feel jealous.

“Sadly, these children will bear the scars of this man for the rest of their lives,” said Stollsteimer. “As a community, we must continue to look for ways to support the survivors of sexual abuse. …We are all incredibly grateful to Detective Corporal Daniel White and the staff of the Child Advocacy Center for their assistance in bringing this defendant to justice. I also particularly want to thank Assistant District Attorney Diane Horn for bringing this case to a successful conclusion.”

Calderon, represented by defense attorney Deon Basheer Browning, had been free on 10% of $10,000 bail since March 2021. Court of Common Pleas Judge Mary Alice Brennan revoked bail Thursday and Calderon was transported to the county jail in Concord awaiting sentencing, set for Dec. 6.