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Child Pornography Suspect Made Harmful Statements to Police

Posted by Joseph D. Lento | Jun 03, 2024 | 0 Comments

Shawn Sullenberger, 45, of Lock Haven, PA, faces charges after Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) Troopers found child pornography on his phone. PSP had received three CyberTips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), indicating someone had used a cell phone to upload six videos and images of child pornography on February 17. 

A number lookup identified the phone as belonging to Sullenberger. On March 22, Troopers executed a search warrant for Sullenberger's phone after using PennDOT records to match his name and address with the information attached to the cell phone number. 

Sullenberger made certain critical mistakes when speaking with police that could harm his case. Namely, he spoke with the police directly instead of hiring a lawyer to represent him. 

The LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team strongly urges against speaking with police in these circumstances. Our team is prepared to offer the defense you need when facing child pornography charges. Learn more by contacting us online today or calling us at 888.535.3686

Lock Haven Child Pornography Suspect Made Admissions to Police 

Investigators state Sullenberger agreed to a recorded interview with PSP Troopers in his home after they executed the warrant for his phone at Sullenberger's place of employment. Investigators state Sullenberger was read his Miranda rights but opted to waive them. 

Sullenberger allegedly stated the following during his recorded interview: 

  • He had been viewing child pornography for about seven years. 
  • He had previously been addicted to drugs and believed by viewing child pornography, he may have traded one addiction in for another. 
  • He watched child pornography via multiple apps and websites. Sometimes, he would save the content he viewed, while other times, he would delete it. 
  • He would sometimes send child pornography material to himself, as this was the only way for him to view it at times. 
  • The last time he had viewed child pornography was three days prior to the interview. 

Sullenberger's charges include: 

  • Eight felony counts of child pornography 
  • One felony count of criminal use of a communication facility 

Per court documents, Sullenberger's arraignment was March 26. The court set his bail at an unsecured $50,000. Although a preliminary hearing was scheduled for April 15, at the time of this writing, there are no more relevant updates to this case. 

Speaking to the Police: A Critical Mistake 

There's no way to know why Sullenberger decided to speak with police despite being aware of his Miranda rights. Perhaps he felt that cooperating would benefit him in the long run. 

This is a common assumption. However, it's a misguided one. Anything you say to the police can play a significant role in your case's outcome when you face charges. Your statements will virtually never help your case.  

Don't make the same mistakes Sullenberger made if you're ever arrested in Pennsylvania. Contact a law firm as soon as possible so knowledgeable attorneys can speak on your behalf. 

The LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team is ready to assist you if you're facing charges in Pennsylvania. Get started today by calling us at 888.535.3686 or filling out our online contact form

About the Author

Joseph D. Lento

"I pride myself on having heart and driving hard to get results!" Attorney Joseph D. Lento passionately fights for the futures of his clients in criminal courtrooms in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania as well as in New Jersey and nationwide. He does not settle for the easiest outcome, and instead prioritizes his clients' needs and well-being. With unparalleled experience occupying several roles in the criminal justice system outside of being an attorney, Joseph D. Lento can give you valuable behind-the-scenes insight as to what is happening during all phases of the legal process. Joseph D. Lento is licensed in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, and is admitted pro hac vice as needed nationwide. In the courtroom and in life, attorney Joseph D. Lento stands up when the bell rings!

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