Investigators: Truck Driver Facing List Of Charges After Child Porn Found On His Computer
WASHINGTON, Pa. (KDKA) -- A Washington County man is facing a long list of charges after investigators say they found child pornography on his computer.
Matthew Thompson, of the City of Washington, is facing 20 felony counts following an investigation by the Attorney General's Child Predator Task Force.
KDKA's Meghan Schiller knocked on Thompson's door on Tuesday afternoon to see if he wanted to comment on the investigation, but no one answered the door.
KDKA learned Thompson is the focus of an investigation by special agents within the Attorney General's Child Predator Section.
As a result of that investigation, including a search warrant executed at Thompson's home, he now faces 20 charges. Three felony charges for allegedly disseminating film of child sex acts, 16 charges for alleged child pornography and 1 charge for the alleged criminal use of a laptop.
Court documents allege Thompson told investigators he'd watched child porn maybe once or twice, but investigators say they found 61 total files and 33 videos of suspected child pornography in his computer's recycle bin. Plus, more videos elsewhere on the computer.
KDKA reached out to Pa. Attorney General Josh Shapiro about this case and he said, in part, "This defendant is charged with possessing and disseminating child pornography. My office will prosecute anyone who preys on children wherever we find them."
The investigators from the AG's office said that Thompson told them he made sure to delete the videos after he downloaded them.
Thompson is due back in court next month.
He is charged with dissemination of photo/film of child sex acts, child pornography and criminal use of a communication facility.
He has been released from jail on $20,000 unsecured bond.
"I wish they could put him away and get him off the street," said one neighbor. "Get him away from people."
"It is very upsetting. Children— we're supposed to protect them. We're not supposed to let bad things happen to them," said another neighbor.
The attorney general's office says anyone who has information about child predators is encouraged to contact them at 1-800-385-1044.
