A registered sex offender from Chester County is accused of sexually assaulting at least three teenagers and giving them drugs in exchange for sexual contact.
Resources for victims of sexual assault are available through the National Sexual Violence Resources Center and the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 800-656-4673.
Elijah Thomas, 28, of Downingtown, Pennsylvania, is charged with trafficking minors, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with minors, possession with intent to deliver controlled substances, and other related offenses.
The investigation began when West Whiteland Police received a report of a man who was giving marijuana to minors in exchange for sex and money. Police then interviewed a 14-year-old boy who said he had been communicating with a man who investigators identified as Elijah Thomas. The teen said the two had met on Snapchat, according to investigators.
Police also said Thomas met another 14-year-old victim through Snapchat as well and that he had sexually assaulted both teens. The victims told investigators Thomas gave them THC and vape cartridges in exchange for sex and indecent images.
Chester County Detectives also received a report from Downingtown Borough Police involving a 17-year-old girl who said she had been sexually assaulted by Thomas. The teen said she began communicating with Thomas when she was 15-years-old and that he pressured her to engage in sexual acts, according to investigators. The teen also accused Thomas of giving her THC and vape cartridges in exchange for sex.
Thomas was arrested on Oct. 8, 2026, and is being held at Chester County Prison on $700,000 bail. Officials said Thomas is also a registered sex offender with prior convictions for stalking and sexual contact with a minor.
Thomas’ preliminary hearing is scheduled for Nov. 13, 2026. Online court records don’t list the contact for the public defender who could speak on his behalf.
If you or someone you know were victimized by Thomas or if you have additional information on the case, call West Whiteland Police at 610-363-0200. You can also call Chester County Detectives at 610-344-6866.
Anyone with concerns about the safety of a child should call 911 or Childline at 1-800-932-0313.
