Joshua Warner, 24, of Elkins Park has been arrested on multiple charges related to sexually assaulting a child and filming the incident.
According to Attorney General Michelle Henry, Warner has been charged with seven felonies: two counts of unlawful contact with a minor; statutory sexual assault; aggravated indecent assault; manufacturing child pornography; possession of child pornography; and criminal use of a communication facility.
Warner was arrested at his home Thursday and is at Montgomery County Correctional Facility. He was arraigned Friday. Bail was set to $250,000.
Warner met the victim online and the two communicated through the social media platform Discord.
“These charges show the opportunities social media presents to predators who hide online under the cover of anonymity,” said Attorney General Henry. “As if the sexual assault of a child is not horrific enough, this defendant chose to film the crimes. My office will continue to find and prosecute those who prey upon children.”
An investigation by the Office of Attorney General and the Upper Moreland Township Police Department found that Warner had been communicating with his 14-year-old victim via Discord. The defendant arranged a meeting with the child and engaged in unlawful sex acts with her, knowing she was 14.
Further investigation of Warner’s cell phone revealed that he had recorded the crimes and saved video to his cell phone.
This case was prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Michelle Laucella. All charges are accusations. The defendant is innocent unless and until proven guilty.
For the Attorney General’s official announcement, you can click here.
Anyone who has information about child predators is urged to contact the Attorney General’s Child Predator Section at 1-800-385-1044. Concerned citizens can also report child abuse to the Pennsylvania ChildLine by calling 1-800-932-0313.
