Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane today announced the arrest of four Pennsylvania men on unrelated charges as part of ongoing efforts to target the online sharing and distribution of child pornography.
The latest arrests occurred over the past week in Dauphin, Philadelphia, Westmoreland and Clinton Counties.
Phillip Stacy Schaffner of Dauphin County
On Oct. 1, 2014, following a two-month undercover online investigation, Phillip Schaffner, 67, 706 Benton St., Harrisburg, Dauphin County, was arrested after being charged with multiple felonies related to the exploitation of children online through the distribution of child pornography.
Agents determined that an IP address, later found to be associated with Schaffner’s residence, uploaded files that depicted children under the age of 18 years old engaged in very graphic sexual acts and poses.
During a search of Schaffner’s home by Child Predator Section agents, a desktop computer and multiple electronic storage devices were located. An on-site forensic examination determined that 25 images of apparent child pornography were on the desktop computer used by Schaffner. This was only a sampling of the child pornography allegedly present on the computer.
Schaffner is charged with 25 counts of possession of child pornography, two counts of distribution of child pornography and one count of criminal use of a communication facility.
After being preliminarily arraigned and unable to post bail, Schaffner was confined in Dauphin County Prison. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Oct. 27, 2014, in front of Magisterial District Judge George A. Zozos.
He will be prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Christopher Jones of the Child Predator Section.
Attorney General Kane thanked the Harrisburg City Police Department for assisting with Schaffner’s arrest.
Roman Holodivskyy of Philadelphia
Roman Holodivskyy, 20, 10004A Jeanes St., Apt. B2, Philadelphia, was arrested on Sept. 26, 2014, following an undercover online investigation.
Agents from Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General’s Child Predator Section executed a search warrant at a residence linked to an IP address identified as sharing apparent child pornography. Upon knocking and announcing their presence, agents were greeted by Holodivskyy.
During the search, a computer belonging to Holodivskyy was located and was examined by agents of the Office of Attorney General Computer Forensics Unit. A preview of the computer’s contents revealed at least 25 images of apparent child pornography on the computer.
Holodivskyy is charged with 25 counts of possession of child pornography, one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of criminal use of a communication facility.
The case will be prosecuted in Philadelphia by Deputy Attorney General Rebecca Elo of the Child Predator Section will prosecute The defendant was preliminarily arraigned and posted bail on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014. He is scheduled to appear at a preliminary hearing on Oct. 16, 2014.
Attorney General Kane thanked the Philadelphia Police Department for their assistance with the arrest.
David E. Meyers of Westmoreland County
David E. Meyers, 58, 342 Iroquois Drive, New Kensington, Westmoreland County, has been arrested for allegedly distributing apparent child pornography on peer-to-peer networks.
As part of ongoing efforts to combat the exploitation of children online, agents from the Child Predator Section executed a search warrant at Meyers’ residence last week and discovered a desktop computer and flash drive containing numerous files of apparent child pornography.
Meyers is charged with 15 counts of possession of child pornography, three counts of distribution of child pornography and one count of criminal use of a communication facility.
He was preliminarily arraigned and confined to Westmoreland County Prison after being unable to post bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled in New Kensington on Oct. 9, 2014 in front of Magisterial District Judge Frank J. Pallone Jr.
Meyers will be prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Anthony Marmo in Westmoreland County.
Attorney General Kane thanked the Arnold Township Police Department for its assistance with the arrest.
Robert Lee Shaffer Jr. of Clinton County
Agents from the Attorney General’s Child Predator Section have arrested Robert Shaffer, 48, 721 Woods Ave., Lock Haven, Clinton County.
Shaffer faces multiple felonies for allegedly using peer-to-peer networks to distribute and download apparent child pornography. Shaffer’s alleged activity was uncovered during an undercover investigation conducted by Child Predator Section agents.
During a search of his Woods Avenue residence, a forensic examination of a desktop computer believed to be Shaffer’s revealed at least 15 files of apparent child pornography under the user profile “Robert.”
Shaffer is charged with 15 counts of possession of child pornography, four counts of distribution of child pornography and one count of criminal use of a communication facility.
After being preliminarily arraigned and unable to post bail, Shaffer was confined in Clinton County Prison. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Oct. 7, 2014, in front of Magisterial District Judge Joseph L. Sanders III.
He will be prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Christopher Jones of the Child Predator Section.
Attorney General Kane thanked the Lock Haven Police Department for assisting with Shaffer’s arrest.
Reporting Internet Predators
Suspected Internet predators can be reported to the Office of Attorney General’s Child Predator Section by calling the Child Predator Hotline at 1-800-385-1044. Anonymous tips can also be sent directly from a cell phone by texting PAKIDS + YOUR TIP to 847411 or through an online complaint form.
Internet safety tips are available on the “Operation Safe Surf” section of www.attorneygeneral.gov. Organizations interested in materials, speakers or presentations should contact the Attorney General’s Education and Outreach Unit at 1-800-525-7642 or via email at education@attorneygeneral.gov.