District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that a Smethport man who was confronted by a predator watch group has pled guilty to possessing child pornography. During a plea hearing held at the McKean County Courthouse on November 6th, Frederick RASZMANN pled guilty to Sexual Abuse of Children (commonly referred to as Child Pornography), a felony of the second degree.

RASZMANN admitted to possessing child pornography on his cell phone that was discovered through the investigation by Smethport Borough Police Officer Kevin Seipp as the facts were read into the record by the 2nd Deputy District Attorney Sarah DuFresne. Through messages, RASZMANN communicated with a predator watch group, who then went to RASZMANN’S residence and subsequently called the police and provided them with the messages that led to the search of his phone. Specifically, RASZMANN admitted that he possessed 119 images and 5 videos of child pornography.

As required by Pennsylvania law, RASZMANN was ordered to undergo an evaluation by the Sexual Offender Board who has 90 days to complete the evaluation. Sentencing has been scheduled for March 5th. 2nd Deputy District Attorney Sarah A. DuFresne prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commonwealth.  Smethport Borough Police Officer Kevin Seipp led the investigation.