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Bethlehem Township resident Robert Costello of the 3200 block of Highfield Drive was charged with 75 counts of child pornography following his initial arrest last October, LehighValleyLive reports.
Costello’s work cell phone was found to have at least 25 thumbnails depicting “child exploitation material,” according to the report, which cites Northampton County court papers.
Costello, 53, was indicted Friday and charged with three counts of receipt of child pornography in addition to possession of child pornography and access with intent to view child pornography, the report says.
Costello had been working as an assistant commissioner for NYC’s Probation Department at the time of his arrest and had been an employee since 2011, the report says.
He was being held in custody pending a detention hearing following a Friday afternoon federal court appearance, the outlet reports.
Costello faces up to 90 years imprisonment with a five-year mandatory minimum. He may also pay a penalty up to $1.2 million, according to the report.
The Bethlehem Township Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security also assisted with the investigation.
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