WEST COCALICO TOWNSHIP, PA — A 41-year-old man faces multiple charges related to child sexual abuse material and contact with minors.
Anthony John Valente, of Gap, was charged July 2 by the Ephrata Police Department’s Investigations Section.
The charges include four counts of sexual abuse of children through photography and filming, eight counts of possessing child sexual abuse material, criminal use of a communication facility, four counts of unlawful contact with a minor, and four counts of corruption of minors.
The investigation began in June when a juvenile victim reported that their father had taken nude photographs of them on multiple occasions while residing in Reinholds.
On June 18, law enforcement officials executed a search warrant at a residence in the 800 block of Skyline Drive in Gap.
The Ephrata Police Department, the Lancaster County Computer Task Force, and the Pennsylvania State Police participated in the search.
Several electronic devices were seized containing numerous images and videos of child sexual abuse material.
Magisterial District Justice William E. Benner Jr. set bail at $150,000 following arraignment.
Valente is being held at the Lancaster County Prison.
