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GLENSHAW, Pa. (AP) — A western Pennsylvania Boy Scout leader has been charged with possessing and distributing child pornography on his computer.
The Allegheny County district attorney’s office has charged 41-year-old Christopher Sokiera (soh-KEER’-uh). Authorities raided his Shaler Township apartment on Tuesday after investigating reports that he was sharing the images on his home computer in July.
Sokiera didn’t immediately return a message left on his home phone Wednesday, but reportedly told investigators he’s never improperly touched a Boy Scout or other child. He is a volunteer and adviser for the NIscha Nimat chapter in the Beaver Valley and Seneca districts.
The Boy Scouts released a statement saying Sokiera’s behavior is “unacceptable and runs counter to everything for which the Boy Scouts of America stands.”
Sokiera faces a preliminary hearing Oct. 13.