HARRISBURG, PA —A Schuylkill County resident has been sentenced to 16½ to 33 years in prison for possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material on multiple social media platforms.
On Monday, May 5, Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that Joshua Warfel, 36, received the lengthy prison term from Schuylkill County Judge William L.J. Burke. Warfel, who pleaded guilty in February to numerous felony counts brought by the Office of Attorney General’s Child Predator Section, will also be required to register as a sex offender for 25 years.
“This convicted sex offender perpetuated abuse against a child each time he intentionally shared vile videos online,” said Attorney General Sunday. “I commend my team for a proactive investigation that put a stop to this harmful file-sharing. We hope this significant prison term is a deterrent for others who think this conduct is a victimless crime — it is far from it.”
Details of the Investigation
The charges stemmed from an extensive investigation conducted by the Office of Attorney General’s specialized Child Predator Section. Investigators found that Warfel used Facebook, Instagram, and KIK to share illegal materials. Evidence collected through a search warrant executed at his Tamaqua home revealed electronic devices loaded with child sexual abuse materials.
Senior Deputy Attorney General Michelle Laucella, who specializes in prosecuting these crimes, led the case against Warfel.
This case is part of the continued effort by the Office of Attorney General to combat child exploitation through specialized units like the Child Predator Section, which remains on the frontlines of investigating and prosecuting predators using digital platforms.
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