Woman Speaks Out After Allegations Led to Charges Against Ex-Pennsylvania Police Officer

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A woman whose allegations helped lead to child sexual abuse charges against a former part-time Delaware County police officer, Francis Collier, is speaking publicly for the first time about the abuse she experienced as a child. Collier was fatally shot by police while they were attempting to arrest him on the charges. Victoria Collier Payne, Collier's niece, says the abuse began in 2004 when she was 6 years old and Collier was living in her family's home. Payne said she reported the abuse in December 2022 after seeing a social media post showing Collier being welcomed to a special victims unit and reading to children. Payne said she is at peace knowing Collier is no longer alive, but she questioned his actions during the attempted arrest, saying "If you're truly innocent on this many charges, then why did you take a very guilty way out."

Why it matters

This case highlights the difficult and emotional journey survivors of child sexual abuse often face in coming forward with their stories, especially when the perpetrator is a trusted family member or authority figure. Payne's decision to speak out publicly after years of keeping her experience private could encourage other survivors to report abuse and seek support.

The details

Authorities said Collier, 38, was charged Tuesday by the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office with crimes, including rape of a child. Officials said the charges stemmed from allegations made by multiple women. Police said officers spotted Collier in his vehicle Wednesday while serving an arrest warrant. Investigators said Collier opened fire, and officers returned fire, killing him. Payne said the abuse began in 2004, when she was 6 years old and Collier, her dad's brother, was living in her family's home. She said she told her mother at the time, and Collier underwent a mandated psychosexual evaluation, but the abuse continued for years.

• The abuse began in 2004, when Payne was 6 years old and finishing kindergarten.
• Payne reported the abuse to local police in December 2022.
• Collier was charged by the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office on Tuesday, February 25, 2026.
• Collier was fatally shot by police on Wednesday, February 26, 2026, while they were attempting to arrest him.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Authorities have said there is no ongoing threat to the public in connection with the shooting of Francis Collier.