HARRISBURG, PA —Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced this week that a Crawford County man has been charged with multiple felonies after investigators allegedly discovered dozens of files containing child sexual abuse material on electronic devices in his home.
According to authorities, 50-year-old Chad Allen Shelatz, of Linesville, has been charged with 50 counts of possession of child sexual abuse material and one count of criminal use of a communication facility. All charges are classified as felonies.
Officials say the case began in June when investigators received a tip that led to the identification of an IP address used to access the illegal content. That IP address was traced to Shelatz’s residence. A search warrant was executed, and agents reportedly seized several electronic devices that contained child sexual abuse files.
Shelatz’s bail was set at $200,000, which had not been posted as of the announcement. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for August 26.
Attorney General Sunday emphasized the seriousness of the case, stating that the Child Predator Section of his office will aggressively pursue individuals who endanger the state’s most vulnerable residents.
Deputy Attorney General Alison J. Bragle of the Child Predator Section is prosecuting the case.
Authorities stress that the charges are allegations and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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