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Pennsylvania State Sen. Michael Folmer was charged with possession of child pornography on Tuesday after authorities discovered disturbing images on his phone.
Attorney General Josh Shapiro said in apress releasean investigation was launched after his office was tipped off that someone using the social media platform Tumblr had uploaded an image of child pornography.
The investigation led authorities to the Republican’s home in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, where a search warrant found child pornography images on his phone.
“This defendant serves as a state Senator and was entrusted to honor and represent his community in the Pennsylvania Capitol,” Shaprio said in a statement. “I will continue to say it – no one is above the law, no matter what position of power they hold. I will continue to work to protect children and hold those who abuse them accountable.”
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Folmer was charged with sexual abuse of children, possession of child pornography and criminal use of a communication facility.
A spokesperson for Folmer did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Shortly after Shapiro announced the charges, Pennsylvania Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati and Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman said in a joint statement that Folmer would be removed as Chair of the Senate State Government Committee, effective immediately.
Folmer, who is married with two adult children and seven grandchildren, according to his website, was elected to the Senate in 2006 and was re-elected to a fourth term in November.
If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go tohttp://www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
source: people.com
