Saturday, May 30, 2015

Mount Carmel Man Facing Child Porn Charges

Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane announced Friday the arrest of a Mount Carmel man as part of ongoing efforts to target the online sharing, downloading and distribution of child pornography.

John Rochford, 69, 250 Poplar St., Apt. 2, Mount Carmel, Northumberland County was arrested May 26 and charged with three counts of distribution of child pornography, 10 counts of possession of child pornography and one count of criminal use of a communication facility.

The arrest is the result of a monthslong investigation by the Child Predator Section into Rochford's alleged downloading and sharing of child pornography.

A search of Rochford's home resulted in the seizure of multiple electronic devices. A preview of these items led to the discovery of suspected child pornography.

Rochford was confined to the Northumberland County Prison in lieu of $150,000 bail. His preliminary hearing is tentatively scheduled for June 3.

The case will be prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Christopher Jones of the Attorney General's Child Predator Section.

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Suspected child predators can be reported to the Office of Attorney General by calling the Child Predator Hotline at 1-800-385-1044. Individuals who suspect an online predator or child sexual abuse can also send an anonymous tip to the office by texting PAKIDS + YOUR TIP to 847411.