Christopher Cordes, the former Tamaqua police officer who was previously charged with crimes involving minors and dogs, was indicted this week by a federal grand jury on charges of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, attempted receipt of and possession of child pornography, and animal crushing.
The indictment against Cordes alleges that while he was employed as a cop in Tamaqua, he communicated with at least one minor victim on social media and attempted to solicit child pornography from them.
Cordes is also alleged to have used a social media platform to receive child pornography. And he’s also accused of sending images to at least one minor and other people showing himself engaging in sexual activity with animals.
US Attorney Gerard Karam says Cordes was in possession of child pornography at the time of his arrest.
The federal case against Cordes was investigated by the Dept. of Homeland Security and the state Attorney General’s Office.
If Cordes is convicted on these federal charges, he faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.
In late-May, Cordes was arrested at his home in Bloomsburg and sent to Columbia County Prison. He was then suspended and fired by the Tamaqua Police Dept.
READ MORE:
- Tamaqua Cop Charged with Sex Crimes Involving Minors and Dogs
- Tamaqua Fires Cop Accused of Sex Crimes with Minors and Dogs
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