On Wednesday, PA Attorney General Josh Shapiro announced new charges against Edward Smith, 60, of Tamaqua,a former deputy coroner of Carbon and Schuylkill Counties, for unlawful contact with a minor, statutory sexual assault and other offenses.
The charges are a result of an investigation after the initial arrest in September, where images of a male child were found on Smith's cell phone.
Link to story on initial arrest
During the investigation, Smith admitted to knowing the child in the photos and provided investigators with his name. The child, who was reported to be 14-15 years old at the time of the incidents, was interviewed and told agents that Smith had sexual contact with the victim multiple times.
The alleged sexual abuse of the victim began in 2015 and occurred at Smith’s home in Tamaqua.
According to the Attorney General's office, Smith paid the victim to pose for the photos Smith took on his phone and for sexual favors under the guise of receiving payment for legitimate work.
Smith is being held in pre-trial detention at the Luzerne County Prison in connection with his initial arrest. Bail in the new case was set at $250,000. A preliminary hearing for the latest charges is scheduled for December 19. Both cases are being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Angela Raver.
Smith is being held in pre-trial detention at the Luzerne County Prison in connection with his initial arrest. Bail in the new case was set at $250,000. A preliminary hearing for the latest charges is scheduled for December 19. Both cases are being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Angela Raver.
“This child was horrifically assaulted on multiple occasions,” said Attorney General Shapiro. “I have zero tolerance for the sexual abuse of children in Pennsylvania and my Office will aggressively investigate and prosecute anyone who abuses children – no matter who commits the crime. Thanks to the thoroughness of the agents and prosecutors in our Child Predator Section, this criminal is behind bars."
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Suspected child predators can be reported by calling the Office of Attorney General’s Predator Hotline at 1-800-385-1044. Individuals who suspect an online predator or abuse can also send anonymous tips by texting PAKIDS + (your tip) to 847411.
Suspected child predators can be reported by calling the Office of Attorney General’s Predator Hotline at 1-800-385-1044. Individuals who suspect an online predator or abuse can also send anonymous tips by texting PAKIDS + (your tip) to 847411.