HARRISBURG, PA — A Philadelphia man has pleaded guilty to stealing intimate images from at least five women’s cellphones and posting them online without their consent, resolving a case that prosecutors say involved repeated digital exploitation of victims.
Tyler J. Jones, 34, pleaded guilty Friday in Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas to eight felony and nine misdemeanor charges, according to the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.
Under a negotiated plea agreement accepted by Judge Zachary Shaffer, Jones will serve 2½ to 5 years in state prison, followed by five years of probation. He also must register as a sex offender for 15 years and is barred from contacting the victims. Formal sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 30.
Attorney General Dave Sunday said the sentence reflects the seriousness of crimes that continued to harm victims each time their images were viewed online.
“Every time the defendant posted one of these stolen images or videos — and every time that content was viewed online — the person depicted was revictimized,” Sunday stated. “My position on digital crimes such as these has been clear: the impact and devastation is very real and will be treated accordingly.”
According to prosecutors, Jones obtained intimate photographs by accessing victims’ cellphones or the phones of their partners, sending the images to himself before posting them on multiple websites without permission. In at least one case, prosecutors alleged he also published a victim’s full name.
The attorney general’s office identified Jones as a repeat offender. He was previously convicted of secretly recording college students in a bathroom and posting the videos online. Prosecutors also noted that he faces separate charges in New Jersey alleging similar conduct.
The Office of Attorney General took over the Pennsylvania investigation after a referral from the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office. The subsequent investigation led the Philadelphia Police Department to file charges last year.
Deputy Attorney General Madelyn Abry is prosecuting the case.
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