Jefferson County Man Allegedly Used Pastor’s Phone to Solicit Child Pornography from Underage Girl

Jake Bauer

Jake Bauer

Published January 25, 2018 5:21 am
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PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. (EYT) — A Jefferson County man already charged in three cases related to drug, burglary, and sexual assault crimes is now facing new charges after he allegedly used a local pastor’s phone to view child pornography and solicit sex from an underage girl.

On Monday, Punxsutawney-based State Police filed the following charges against 19-year-old Daniel Frank Jablonski of Punxsutawney:

  • Child Pornography, Felony 3
  • Contact/Comm.W/Minor-Sexual Abuse, Felony 3
  • Criminal Use Of Communication Facility, Felony 3
  • Corruption of Minors, Misdemeanor

According to a criminal complaint filed by Tpr. Weaver at Magisterial District Judge Jacqueline J. Mizerock’s office, Jablonski allegedly solicited explicit photographs and videos from an underage girl on November 11, 2017, in Punxsutawney Borough.

The victim sent explicit images and videos of herself to Jablonski, and a sexual encounter was arranged via electronic communications. Jablonski was subsequently found to be in possession of child pornography, according to the criminal complaint.

During an interview at the Punxsutawney State Police barracks, a local pastor told Tpr. Weaver that Jablonski — who was actively participating in a work-experience program at her church — asked if he could use her cellular phone to contact his “roommate” on Facebook Messenger.

The pastor allowed Jablonski to use her phone each time he was working at the church.

On November 12, 2017, around 8:30 a.m., she noticed messages on her phone from Jablonski’s Facebook Messenger. The messages, dated November 11, 2017, contained sexually explicit pornographic images and videos, according to the criminal complaint.

The pastor signed a waiver allowing investigators to conduct a physical search of her phone. Tpr. Weaver confirmed that the device contained sexually explicit images and videos of the victim and sexually explicit images of Jablonksi.

On November 12, 2017, around 1:20 p.m., Tpr. Weaver spoke with the victim and she confirmed that she sent pictures and videos of herself to Jablonski, according to the criminal complaint.

The criminal complaint states that the victim also indicated that she received explicit photos of Jablonski.

She told Tpr. Weaver that she was acquainted with the victim, but said November 11, 2017, was the first time she had ever spoken to him.

She also told Tpr. Weaver that Jablonski asked about her age and she told him (redacted).*

Additionally, she indicated that the two had agreed to meet for a sexual encounter on November 12, 2017.

Through the course of the investigation, it was discovered that Jablonski was wanted on charges related to other child sex crimes.

On November 12, 2017, around 2:45 p.m., a traffic stop was conducted by Officer Wittenburg of the Punxsutawney Borough Police Department and Jablonski, a passenger in the vehicle, was taken into custody.

Jablonski’s cellular phone, suspected of containing evidence associated with the original investigation, was confiscated and entered into evidence at the Punxsutawney Borough Police Department.

Jablonski was interviewed around 3:03 p.m. that day and confirmed that the victim sent explicit images and videos of herself to him, according to the criminal complaint.

Jablonski also told Tpr. Weaver that he intended to meet the victim on November 12, 2017, and engage in sexual relations with her.

He also confirmed that he was aware of the victim’s age, according to the criminal complaint.

On December 15, 2017, a forensic analysis on Jablonski’s cellular phone was completed by Tpr. Clark at the Pennsylvania State Police Northwest Computer Crime Unit in Meadville.

Additionally, a search warrant was obtained allowing investigators to view Jablonski’s Facebook messages. Tpr. Weaver confirmed explicit images and videos of the victim and explicit images of Jablonski were present on the device, according to the criminal complaint.

Jablonski remains lodged in the Jefferson County Jail in lieu of $25,000.00 cash bail.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on February 8, 2018, at the office of District Judge Jacqueline J. Mizerock.

Jablonski is also facing several felony charges in connection with three separate cases, including charges related to drug possession, burglary, sexual assault, and corruption of minors.

*EDITOR’S NOTE: The victim’s age was not provided within court documents.

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