Jennilynne M. Derolf, 38, of Bristol Township.
A 38-year-old teacher’s aide from Bucks County accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old student killed herself Sunday afternoon.
Police said they were called by the family of the 14-year-old boy for a well-being check Sunday. The family reported that Jennilynne M. Derolf, of Bristol Township’s Levittown section, who is accused of sexually assaulting the boy, had contacted him and arranged a meeting.
Officers responded to the area of Old Bristol Pike and Wheatsheaf Lane around 4:18 p.m. to locate the pair, police said.
“Upon the arrival of the police officers, Derolf committed suicide with a firearm,” police Chief Nelson Whitney said.
Officers and the teen were not hurt.
“The facts and circumstances surrounding this incident are still under investigation,” the chief told LevittownNow.com.
District Judge Jan Vislosky set bail for Derolf at 10 percent of $900,000 on July 15 when she was arraigned on charges of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse on a person less than 16 years of age, statutory sexual assault, unlawful contact with a minor, aggravated indecent assault with a person less than 16, institutional sexual assault, indecent assault on a person less than 16 years of age, and corruption of a minor. Bucks County Judge James McMaster decreased bail on July 23 to 10 percent of $100,000, which the defendant was able to post, according to court records.
Derolf, the reported victim’s teacher’s aide at the Valley Day School in the township’s Morrisville section, had messaged with the teen on the Discord app and began contact. The two would also spend time together. The boy told authorities the contact “escalated” to sexual acts in July, which led to Derolf being arrested shortly after, police said.
The Valley Day School is a private school that takes students from Pennsylvania and New Jersey who have acute learning, adjustment, behavioral, or emotional needs.
Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact Detective Matt Tomcho at 215-949-9100 ext. 347 or [email protected].
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, the National Crisis Line can be reached day or night at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Bucks County also operates an around-the-clock crisis line at 1-800-499-7455.
See also:
Man Accused of Sexually Assaulting 5-Year-Old at Walmart Dies in Jail
Montgomery Township Suicide Victim Was Awaiting Arraignment on Child Pornography Charges
Woman Accused of Racist Tirade, Assault at Nursing Home Killed in Kensington Hit and Run
Bucks County Teacher’s Aide Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Student
