NEW HOLLAND, PA — West Earl Township Police have arrested a 26-year-old man following an investigation into the possession and dissemination of child sexual abuse material.
Alexis Zane, of Brownstown, was taken into custody on April 13 and arraigned before Judge Bender.
On Feb. 10, the West Earl Township Police Department received a cybertip from the Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office through the Lancaster County Forensic Unit.
The tip originated from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
The report indicated that a user uploaded a file to the Kik App on Jan. 18 containing suspected child sexual abuse material.
Investigators reviewed the file and confirmed it depicted illegal content involving a minor.
The upload was traced to an internet protocol address associated with a residence in New Holland.
A search warrant was obtained and signed by Magisterial District Judge Jonathan Heisse on March 24.
The warrant was executed on March 25, during which multiple electronic devices belonging to Zane were seized.
During the investigation, Zane admitted to using the identified online account and to sending the file in question through the Kik application.
A forensic examination of the seized devices uncovered additional evidence, including multiple files containing child sexual abuse material, as well as videos depicting indecent contact involving a minor.
Detective Heather Halstead filed charges against Zane, including sexual abuse of children, dissemination of child sexual abuse material, possession of child sexual abuse material, aggravated indecent assault, indecent assault, unlawful contact with a minor, corruption of minors, criminal use of a communication facility and endangering the welfare of children.
Zane was committed to Lancaster County Prison without bail.
