27-06-2025
Pottsville man pleads guilty to CSAM charges
POTTSVILLE — A 51-year-old city man pleaded guilty to possessing child sexual abuse material Friday.
James J. Wagner, who faced more than 40 felony counts related to Child Sexual Abuse Materials (CSAM), entered a guilty plea on four of those charges in Schuylkill County Court.
Wagner and his attorney, Edward M. Olexa of Hazleton, appeared in front of Judge William L. J. Burke for a status conference.
Wagner pleaded guilty to a count of criminal use of a communication facility and three counts of child pornography, all third-degree felonies. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine, Burke said.
The Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Criminal Intelligence charged Wagner on Sept. 23, 2024.
The defendant faced 41 charges in total, including 20 felony counts of disseminating photo/film of child sex acts and 20 of child pornography.
The commonwealth opted not to prosecute the remaining charges, per the plea agreement.
Wagner has been free on bail since Sept. 26.
