[State College, PA] This Monday, November 17th, Samuel Friday, a 67-year-old resident of Tyrone, was arrested and remains in custody on denied bail. After receiving a report that Mr. Friday was soliciting underage teenagers for sexual conduct, Trooper Jonathan Hodges and a team from the Pennsylvania State Police quickly obtained a search warrant for Mr. Friday’s Tyrone residence, located in Centre County, and found photographs, video tapes, and electronic storage drives containing sexually explicit material.

Review of that material is ongoing and will take time, but investigators have identified several sexually explicit images and files depicting individuals either known or suspected to be teenagers under the age of 18. Two juveniles are already known to law enforcement, and investigation into the identity of others is ongoing. It is further suspected that Mr. Friday was not merely in possession of the sexually explicit images and videos of minors, but solicited and produced them. It has been reported that Mr. Friday invited underage teenagers to his basement and offered to pay them cash in exchange for a range of sexual conduct, including wearing provocative outfits which he provided, undressing, posing for photographs, and engaging in sexual activity – sometimes with him, and sometimes while being photographed or recorded. In addition to the sexually explicit images and files, a bed, provocative outfits, a wall-mounted digital camera, and sex toys were all found during the search of Mr. Friday’s basement.

As the investigation progresses, additional charges will be considered and filed as appropriate. Yesterday, Mr. Friday was charged by criminal complaint of multiple counts of possession of child sex abuse material, more commonly referred to as child pornography. A criminal complaint is a formal accusation that a person has committed a criminal act or acts under Pennsylvania law. The law requires that every person so accused, including Samuel Friday, be presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt. At this point, the scope of any criminal conduct, and the number and identity of all the individuals possibly involved or impacted is unknown.

Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact Trooper Jonathan Hodges at the PSP Rockview Barracks or by calling in at 814.355.7545, or County Detective John Aston at the District Attorney’s Office, 814.355.6735. We know that coming forward can be difficult. It can feel overwhelming, emotional, or intimidating. But I want to assure you, you are not alone. Our team of prosecutors, investigators, and victim-advocacy professionals are here to listen, to support you, and to guide you through every step of the process. When victims and witnesses come forward, it strengthens our ability to uncover the truth and hold offenders accountable. Even if you are unsure whether what you experienced is relevant, we urge you to reach out.