By John Chambless

Staff Writer

A 36-year-old Parkesburg man was charged with 68 felony counts of sexual abuse of children on Jan. 17.

According to Pennsylvania State Police Avondale, Michael Brecker, 36, of the Crystal Lake Apartments in Parkesburg, had been sharing images of child pornography over the internet beginning in mid-October. On Dec. 13, police searched Brecker's home and confiscated his computer, which was found to contain child pornography. The police report did not specify whether they were photographs or videos.

On Jan. 17, Brecker was charged with 68 felony counts, including the possession and dissemination of child pornography. He was arraigned and bail was set at 25 percent of $25,000. He posted bond and was released, according to police. A preliminary hearing is scheduled on Jan. 30 in district court. 

The case was investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Central Computer Crime Task Force.

The police report did not indicate that Brecker had been producing child pornography, only that he had been sharing the images with others.