Ambler man faces more than 160 charges after more victims ID'd in child sex abuse case

AMBLER, Pa. (WPVI) -- An Ambler man previously charged in March with sexually abusing children was arrested again after investigators identified eight additional victims in Montgomery and Bucks counties, according to Abington Township police.

Detectives now fear there may be more victims.

Neighbors say they were stunned to learn that 38-year-old Deren Thach is facing more than 160 felony counts, including charges related to child sexual abuse, rape, trafficking and other offenses.

"It's upsetting," said neighbor Cal Williams of Ambler. "He fooled me. He's always smiling, waving. So you never know who's who, I guess."

Williams said he witnessed Thach's arrest on Tuesday at his home on West Francis Avenue in Ambler.

"The street was loaded with police, and we pulled down into our driveway, and I saw him come out in handcuffs, smiling. So, I thought that was strange," he said.

Abington Township Police Deputy Chief Ed Quinn said Thach solicited minors for sexual acts and explicit photos through social media platforms such as Snapchat in exchange for money, drugs and alcohol. The criminal complaint states the youngest victim was 14-years-old.

"It's disgusting what he's doing to these young ladies," Quinn said.

Quinn said Thach groomed the minors before taking them to his apartment, where he allegedly set up a video camera and, in some cases, forced them to perform sexual acts.

A relative of Thach says he's innocent until proven guilty and not a danger to society, describing him as a loving father and caring person. Neighbors expressed a different view.

"He's got a lot of issues, that boy. He really does," Williams said. "So hopefully he is taken away and they can straighten him out."

As the investigation continues, Abington police are working with authorities in Bucks County. Quinn urged parents to talk with their children about the risks of social media and encouraged any additional victims to come forward.

"It's a traumatic experience for them, and once they come forward, we're able to get them the help they need," he said. "Also, to help strengthen this case against this suspect so he's never able to get out again and commit these crimes."

Thach is being held at Montgomery County Prison on $1 million bail. Quinn said he hopes that, following this second arrest, Thach will not receive a bail reduction or another opportunity to post bail.