A Minersville man wanted on child pornography charges was found with thousands of illicit images of children.
According to Police Chief Jeffrey Bowers, on Thursday, March 13, 2025, the Minersville Police Department arrested a fugitive from Florida on Child Pornography charges.
Chief Bowers said the Minersville Police Department received a tip from authorities in Florida that Smith, who was wanted for Child Pornography charges in Florida, was believed to be in Minersville.
The cellular phone belonging to Smith was pinged and his location was identified. Smith was taken into custody by Minersville Officers Wilson, Gossert and Searfoss in the area of Fourth and Sunbury Street.
Smith was found in possession of a cellular phone which was seized.
Minersville Police obtained a search warrant from Magisterial District Judge James Reiley in Pottsville and Ptlm. Wilson and Chief Jeffrey Bowers searched the phone in conjunction with the PA Office of Attorney General's Office.
During that search, in excess of 2,000 still images and in excess of 300 videos were observed and recovered depicting young girls between the ages of 3 and 12 engaged in various states of nudity and engaged in sexual activity with adult males.
Additional computers were seized and are currently being processed for additional evidence. Smith was charged as a Fugitive from Justice and also with Sexual Abuse of Children and arraigned before Judge A.J. Serina. Bail was set at $300,000 straight cash.
Smith was remanded to the Schuylkill County Prison after being unable to post bail.
Chief Bowers says the Minersville Police Department anticipates the filing of additional charges pending the execution of additional search warrants on Smith's computer.