HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced felony charges this week against a retired Beaver County police officer following an investigation by the Office of Attorney General’s Child Predator Section.
Peter J. Benedict Jr., 68, was arrested and charged on Wednesday with 11 felony counts of possession of child sexual abuse material and criminal use of a communication facility. The charges stem from digital evidence allegedly discovered during a court-authorized search of Benedict’s home earlier this week.
According to investigators, agents from the Attorney General’s office executed the search warrant on July 22, seizing multiple electronic devices believed to contain illicit material. The investigation remains active, and additional charges have not been ruled out.
Benedict previously served as a police officer in Beaver County and was employed as a school resource officer between 2022 and 2023. He retired from law enforcement in 2023. Authorities were careful to note that the alleged conduct did not occur during his tenure as a police officer.
In a public statement, Attorney General Sunday condemned the alleged offenses, stating, “This is unacceptable, lewd, criminal behavior for any member of society — let alone someone who took a sworn oath to protect his community as a law enforcement officer.”
The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Alison Bragle.
Officials are urging anyone with relevant information to contact the Attorney General’s Office at 800-385-1044.
As with all criminal proceedings, it is essential to emphasize that a suspect, arrestee, or defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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