Man awaiting trial, faces new child pornography charges

A Lancaster County man who is currently in Lancaster County Prison awaiting trial on child pornography charges faces numerous new charges.

The East Earl Township Police Department charged Kenneth L. Schmidt, 43, of East Earl Township last week with 22 counts of sexual abuse of children for possessing child pornography; 12 counts of criminal solicitation; 18 counts of unlawful contact with a minor; two counts of obscene and other sexual materials and performances; 16 counts of corruption of minors and one count of identity theft.

Police allege that Schmidt used various internet and social media platforms in order to meet young girls. Police said he sent photos and videos of his private parts to several girls under the age of 18. Police said that the girls believed they were communicating with another teen named “Ben” because he allegedly displayed profile photos of a young man in order to convince his victims to send sexually explicit photos and videos of themselves.

Schmidt is currently in Lancaster County Prison awaiting trial on the previous child pornography charges.

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