Attorney General Dave Sunday has announced that a man from Schuylkill County will serve a prison sentence of 16½ to 33 years for the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material on various social media platforms.
Joshua Warfel, aged 36, admitted guilt in February to numerous felony charges brought by the Office of Attorney General’s Child Predator Section. The sentencing was delivered by Schuylkill County Judge William L.J. Burke, who also mandated that Warfel register as a sex offender for 25 years.
"This convicted sex offender perpetuated abuse against a child each time he intentionally shared vile videos online," stated Attorney General Sunday. "I commend my team for a proactive investigation that put a stop to this harmful file-sharing. We hope this significant prison term is a deterrent for others who think this conduct is a victimless crime — it is far from it."
Investigations revealed that Warfel distributed illegal content via Facebook, Instagram, and KIK. A search at his residence in Tamaqua led to the confiscation of electronic devices containing child sexual abuse materials.
The case was prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Michelle Laucella from the Child Predator Section.