by peter e. bortner
A Mahanoy City man admitted Wednesday in Schuylkill County Court that he possessed child pornography in 2010.
Ray A. Shoup Jr., 38, pleaded guilty to 15 counts of sexual abuse of children-possession of child pornography.
Judge John E. Domalakes, who accepted Shoup's plea, did not immediately sentence him, instead ordering the state Sexual Offenders Assessment Board to conduct an evaluation of the defendant to determine whether he is a sexually violent predator. Domalakes said he would schedule Shoup's sentencing after the board completes its evaluation.
Shoup faces a maximum prison sentence of 52 1/2 to 105 years in a state correctional institution, plus potential lifetime Megan's Law sanctions if the board determines he is a sexually violent predator.
However, Domalakes said prosecutors and the defendant reached a plea agreement under which Shoup will receive a sentence of nine to 23 months in prison, followed by five years on probation.
The Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation charged Shoup with possessing child pornography, including images of both boys and girls, from Feb. 15, 2010, to Oct. 14, 2010, in his residence.
Police said pornographic images of children were linked to a computer at Shoup's home by the Internet provider address.
Assistant District Attorney Robert E. Matta said Wednesday that the pornographic depictions of children included movies, computer images and DVDs in duffel bags.
Shoup said little during Wednesday's hearing except to indicate he understood his plea and that he was making it voluntarily. Defendant: Ray A. Shoup Jr.
Age: 38
Residence: Mahanoy City
Crimes committed: 15 counts of sexual abuse of children-possession of child pornography