HARRISBURG, PA — A Schuylkill County man is facing more than 500 felony charges following an investigation into the alleged possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material, according to the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.
Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that 33-year-old Matthew Snyder of Ashland was recently arrested and charged with more than 500 felony counts of sexual abuse of children and one count of criminal use of a communication facility.
According to investigators, the case began after Snyder contacted the Attorney General’s tipline claiming he intended to report individuals allegedly involved with illegal online material.
Before conducting a follow-up interview, investigators identified 38 CyberTips associated with the phone number Snyder provided, according to the Attorney General’s Office.
Authorities executed a search warrant at Snyder’s residence and seized multiple electronic devices. Investigators allege that a forensic review of those devices uncovered more than 850 files containing child sexual abuse material.
Court records show Snyder was denied bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 8.
The investigation was conducted by the Office of Attorney General’s Child Predator Section and is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Mary Phillips.
The charges against Snyder are allegations, and he has not been convicted of the offenses.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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