From staff reports

THOMPSONTOWN — A local man was arraigned Wednesday on 35 felony charges related to disseminating photos and videos depicting child sex acts for offenses that allegedly took place in 2024.

Joshua Andrew Gabbard, 38, of Thompsontown, was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Tracy L. Powell, on 33 third-degree felony counts of disseminating photographs containing child sex acts and two third-degree felony counts of illegal use of a communication device.

According to the Affidavit of Probable Cause, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a report that Gabbard had uploaded nine files depicting sexual abuse of children. The report states that – on a separate account — Gabbard uploaded 22 files containing child pornography.

Police said the report contained eight mp4 video files that depicted the sexual abuse of children, with one 13 second file containing an approximate 5-year-old engaging in oral sex with an adult man. The report also contained four mp4 video files depicting the sexual abuse of children on a third account.

Through tracking computer IP addresses, officials were able to trace the to Gabbard’s residence.

A search warrant was served for Gabbard’s 97 Tuscarora Street home was served.

When interviewed, Gabbard was asked about his social media use and his Kik accounts. Gabbard told police he had been chatting with girls “12 and up” online and that he would touch himself when chatting with them. Gabbard said he also used that app to watch AI and animated videos.

In a police interview, Gabbard said the Kik accounts linked to child sex assault were his and stated he had recorded child pornography in the past, but never uploaded it.

Gabbard stated that if he uploaded such videos, he couldn’t recall doing so as a result of drug use.

Gabbard is being held in Mifflin County Correctional Facility, unable to post $100,000 bail. He is awaiting a preliminary hearing set for 11 a.m. Sept. 10.