A Columbia County man has been charged with the distribution of child pornography, according to an announcement by Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro.
Kenneth Lee Wehry, 64, of Locustdale, was arrested on July 14, 2017, on 45 counts of Sexual Abuse of Children and 1 count of Criminal Use of a Communication Facility. The charges stem from an online investigation aimed at identifying those possessing and sharing child pornography.
During the investigation, authorities located a computer that was sharing files of suspected child pornography, which was later revealed to be in Wehry’s possession. A search of his residence confirmed that he was in possession of the computer and the illicit files.
Attorney General Shapiro praised the work of the agents and prosecutors in the Child Predator Section, saying, "Thanks to the hard work of the agents and prosecutors in our Child Predator Section, one more predator is off our streets. We are working relentlessly to get every predator out of our communities and keep Pennsylvania’s children safe."
The case was referred to the Attorney General’s office by the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, who began the investigation on April 18, 2017. Wehry’s bail was set at $250,000, and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 25, 2017, at 2:00 pm. The case will be prosecuted by the Office of Attorney General’s Child Predator Section.
Suspected child predators can be reported by calling the Child Predator Hotline at 1-800-385-1044. Individuals who suspect an online predator or abuse can also send anonymous tips by texting PAKIDS + YOUR TIP to 847411. The public is urged to report any suspicious activity to help keep children safe.
The arrest of Wehry serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in combating child pornography and exploitation. The Attorney General’s office is committed to working tirelessly to protect children and hold predators accountable for their heinous crimes. As the investigation continues, the public can be assured that authorities are working to ensure that those responsible for these crimes are brought to justice.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: Pennsylvania AG
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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