46°
A former Lancaster County family medicine physician is facing felony charges for sexually exploiting a 13-year-old girl and possessing child pornography, according to police, public records, and court documents.
Frank Yang Liu, 33, of Manheim, was charged after an investigation by the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, the Northern Lancaster County Regional Police Department (NLCRPD), and Lancaster County detectives.
Authorities allege Liu used Instagram to exchange explicit messages and images with a minor and distributed pornographic images of prepubescent children, according to the affidavit of probable cause obtained by Daily Voice.
The investigation began in March 2024, when Special Agent Matthew Lariccia contacted NLCRPD Detective Theresa Stauffer to assist in the case. Evidence showed Liu’s Instagram account, “splashzone17,” was used to communicate with the 13-year-old victim. The victim disclosed her age during conversations, which Liu acknowledged, the affidavit states.
Liu allegedly sent explicit messages to the victim, describing sexual fantasies, and asked if she would be open to meeting in person. Investigators say he also sent multiple pornographic images of minors, including prepubescent children.
Search warrants executed at Liu’s Penn Township home on June 14, 2024, uncovered multiple electronic devices containing child pornography, according to court records. Liu reportedly admitted to using the Instagram account and described his communications with minors as a “fantasy.”
Charges and Court Proceedings
Liu is charged with:
- Felony Possession of Child Pornography (2 counts)
- Felony Dissemination of Photographs of Children
- Felony Unlawful Contact with a Minor
- Felony Solicitation to Commit Sexual Assault
- Felony Corruption of Minors
- Felony Dissemination of Explicit Sexual Content of a Minor
- Felony Criminal Use of a Communication Facility
Liu’s preliminary arraignment was held on Nov. 25, 2024, before Judge Torrey Landis. He was released on $150,000 unsecured bail, and his formal arraignment is scheduled for Dec. 13, 2024, court records show.
Doctor's Employment
Liu was employed as a family medicine physician at Lancaster General Health/Penn Medicine facility located at 420 S 5th Ave, West Reading, according to US News. He is no longer with the health system, a spokesperson confirmed to Daily Voice.
“We were distressed to hear about these criminal allegations and will do all we can to assist law enforcement in this investigation,” Lancaster General Health said in a statement.
Investigation Details
Detectives discovered that Liu's phone contained over 20 videos of child pornography, with some depicting children as young as 8 years old in explicit sexual acts. The devices seized included an iPhone, laptops, and an external hard drive.
The FBI's investigation revealed Liu followed Instagram accounts with usernames such as "slwttykiddo" and "pwettypweschooler," further implicating him in child exploitation, the affidavit states.
** Warning: The above details may be disturbing to some readers. **
Click here to follow Daily Voice Hampden-Silver Spring and receive free news updates.
