An Elverson man already awaiting trial for the aggravated indecent assault of an 8-year-old girl now faces 101 additional criminal charges after Pennsylvania State Police found thousands of images of child sexual abuse material on his electronic devices.
Thomas Kempist Bernard, 54, was arrested July 8 at his Elverson Borough home by troopers from PSP Troop J's Embreeville Station, according to a criminal complaint obtained by the Daily Local News from the Chester County District Attorney's Office. He was charged with 100 felony counts of technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and one count of criminal use of a communication facility.
Bernard was out on $200,000 bail at the time of his arrest, awaiting trial on charges of aggravated indecent assault of a child, unlawful contact with a minor to commit sexual offenses and corruption of minors.
According to Trooper Adam McCormack's affidavit of probable cause, a woman inside a home shared with Bernard called 911 in September of 2025, after opening a closed bedroom door and finding Bernard in bed with the young girl, sexually abusing her. Bernard fled the bedroom and left the home. Trooper Corey Baiada arrived at the scene at 2:45 p.m.
The next day, Magisterial District Court Judge John Hipple set bail at $200,000.
Bail and release in the new case
After his July 8 arrest on the exploitation charges, Bernard could not immediately post bail and was remanded to prison, a clerk at the magisterial district court in East Vincent Township confirmed. Hours later, a family member arrived and paid $5,000 in cash, securing his release. Judge Hipple had set bail at $50,000 with 10 percent cash required.
Bernard appeared before Judge Hipple for a preliminary arraignment on Friday. Defense attorney Albert Casimer Sardella appeared on his behalf.
What's next
A preliminary hearing in the new exploitation case is scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday, July 23, at Chester County Court. Bernard's criminal trial in the original child sexual assault case is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. Monday, July 27, before Common Pleas Judge Alita Rovito at the Justice Center in West Chester.
Anyone with information on the case can contact Trooper Christopher Johnson at PSP's West Bradford station: 610-486-6280. To report suspected child abuse or neglect, call Pennsylvania's ChildLine hotline at 1-800-932-0313, available 24/7.
