A child porn tip from a messaging application lead to state police charging an Irwin man, according to the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office.
Joshua David Ward, 34, faces 10 counts of dissemination of child sexual abuse material, possession of child sexual abuse material and criminal use of a communication facility.
The tip came from Kik, a free messaging app that allows users to connect with others using a username instead of a phone number. Users are able to send messages, pictures and videos, as well as livestream and get access to games and dating services.
The tip contained a video file showing child pornography involving a girl between 5 and 8 years of age, the district attorney’s office said.
Investigators obtained an IP address that led them to Ward.
State police executed a search warrant on Ward’s home and seized several electronic devices. Multiple files of child sexual abuse material were found on Ward’s phone, the district attorney’s office said.
Ward did not have an attorney listed in court records.
Ward was arraigned Thursday and sent to the Westmoreland County jail on $50,000 bail. His preliminary hearing before District Judge Rebecca C. Tyburski is scheduled for July 29.
Brian C. Rittmeyer, a Pittsburgh native and graduate of Penn State University’s Schreyer Honors College, has been with the Trib since December 2000. He can be reached at brittmeyer@triblive.com.
