Feasterville, PA — Two Michigan men admitted to their roles in a brutal assault that left a Pennsylvania comic book store owner severely injured and tied up on his shop floor.
On March 14, Zackery Maximus Tucker, 23, and Caleb James-Lorenze Simpson, 36, entered guilty pleas to charges including robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, and aggravated assault. Their court appearance stemmed from a violent incident that disrupted the quiet community of Lower Southampton Township.
Authorities reported that on September 18, 2022, the offenders staged a deceitful scheme by posing as customers at the Comic Collection store. They exploited the trust of the owner, David Schwartz, 58, by asking for assistance with items on a high shelf. As Schwartz ascended the ladder, Simpson struck, pushing him to a hard fall, leading to multiple injuries including contusions, lacerations, and broken ribs.
The assault escalated as Schwartz lay injured. The duo not only zip-tied him but also subjected him to a severe beating. Tucker intensified the attack by using brass knuckles and threatened Schwartz’s life with a knife.
In the midst of the chaos, the assailants stole various items including a laptop, cash, comic books, Pokémon cards, and action figures, culminating in a loss valued at over $20,000. The crime left the community and enthusiasts of the suburban comic book hub in shock, particularly because Schwartz had been a beloved figure since he opened the store in 1985 without prior incidents.
The investigation gained momentum when a detective received a crucial tip in December 2023 about the attackers. Authorities identified the assailants as Simpson and Tucker, both employed as long-haul truckers. This information led to a breakthrough with evidence processed by the Pennsylvania State Police crime lab, conclusively linking the stolen goods to the suspects.
During Tucker’s sentencing, Schwartz delivered a poignant impact statement, highlighting the deep scars left by the ordeal. “They took the sense of security and safety away from me,” Schwartz lamented, expressing how the attack shattered his life’s tranquility.
Tucker has been sentenced to five to 12 years in state prison and is mandated to pay restitution of $20,029.88. This sentence also includes an order prohibiting any contact with Schwartz, his family, or the comic shop. Simpson awaits his sentencing scheduled for May 2, 2025.
The community has rallied around Schwartz in the wake of the attack, underscoring the resilience and spirit of support that characterizes this close-knit area. The case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities local businesses can face and the importance of community vigilance.