Scranton Reporter

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania has announced that Christopher J. Cordes, a 29-year-old from Nazareth, Pennsylvania, faces federal charges. A grand jury indicted Cordes on counts of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor for illegal sexual activity, attempted receipt and possession of child pornography, and animal crushing.

United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam stated that while employed as an officer with the Tamaqua Police Department, Cordes allegedly communicated with at least one minor victim through social media to solicit child pornography. The indictment also claims that Cordes used social media platforms to attempt to receive such material. Furthermore, he is accused of creating and distributing images depicting himself in sexual acts with animals to at least one minor victim and others. Upon his arrest, authorities found him in possession of child pornography.

The investigation was conducted by the Department of Homeland Security alongside the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luisa Honora Berti is leading the prosecution.

This case falls under Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse nationwide. The project coordinates efforts among federal, state, and local agencies to apprehend individuals who exploit children sexually and rescue victims.

Federal law stipulates life imprisonment as the maximum penalty for these offenses, along with supervised release post-imprisonment and potential fines. Sentencing follows a guilty verdict after considering federal sentencing statutes and guidelines.

It is important to note that indictments are merely allegations; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.