Matthew John Snyder, 32, was charged on June 24 by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General with 501 counts of Child Sexual Abuse Material, all second-degree felonies, according to court records.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, the investigation began in late February after Snyder allegedly contacted law enforcement claiming he had information about an online group. Investigators later determined the phone number he provided was associated with 38 CyberTip reports received through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
The affidavit states investigators obtained records from Synchnos Technologies and Google through search warrants and administrative subpoenas. Authorities allege those records included hundreds of images and videos identified as CSAM that had been uploaded to cloud storage beginning in August 2025.
Investigators also allege they recovered Telegram conversations that they say indicated Snyder was involved in obtaining and distributing CSAM online. The criminal complaint references those conversations as part of the probable cause supporting the charges but does not allege any contact offenses involving identified local victims.
On June 23, investigators obtained a search warrant for Snyder's residence on the 400 block of Main Street in Lavelle.
The warrant was executed the following morning by agents with the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, with assistance from the Butler Township Police Department. According to the affidavit, Snyder was taken into custody at his home on Main Street in Lavelle, advised of his rights, and interviewed.
During the search, investigators conducted a preliminary forensic examination of a Samsung Galaxy Fold cellular phone and reported locating approximately 70 additional images and videos they identified as CSAM. Multiple electronic devices were seized for further forensic analysis, according to court documents.
A review identified more than 850 files of CSAM in his possession.
Court records show Snyder was denied bail and remains incarcerated at Schuylkill County Prison. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for July 8, 2026, before Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker.
“This defendant used digital platforms to collect and distribute horrific child sexual abuse material,” Attorney General Sunday said. “There is no place for this conduct in civilized society, and our Child Predator Section will continue to aggressively pursue those who exploit children online.”
Court records show Snyder was denied bail and remains incarcerated at Schuylkill County Prison. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for July 8, 2026, before Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker.