50°
Matthew Reiss, 47, of Palm, PA in Upper Hanover Township, now faces 1,700 felony counts of possessing child pornography, compared to the 10 felony counts he was initially charged with in May following an investigation into his email account, according to the Montgomery County District Attorney's office.
An investigation was launched on April 16 when the Montgomery County Detective Bureau received a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding the upload of two child sexual abuse images to a Gmail account, authorities said.
The IP address for the Gmail account was traced to Reiss' home address and known cell phone number, the DA's office said.
Once detectives served a search warrant on the Google account on May 19, investigators found 660 images, which included 10 images that were of child pornography, showing children under the age of 13 undressed, in sexual poses, and being sexually assaulted, authorities said.
Following this discovery, detectives found additional images which led to his new charges. Authorities did not specify how many more photos were found.
In one chat, Weiss noted that he works for a local government entity -- the police department, authorities said.
Detectives urge the investigation found no connection between the child pornography and his employment, the DA's office said.
Since his initial arrest, the police department has placed Reiss on unpaid administrative leave, authorities said.
"We were angered and shocked at the allegations and are fully cooperating with the investigation," Hilltown Township Police Chief Chris Engelhart previously said.
"These acts, if true, would be a betrayal of his oath as a Police Officer, the public trust, and the trust of his fellow officers."
Reiss was arraigned on the new charges on July 15 before Magisterial District Judge Suzan Leonard, who set bail at $10,000 unsecured over the objection of prosecutors who requested $100,000 cash.
He posted bail and was released.
In May, he was also released after posting $75,000 cash bail.
A preliminary hearing is set for 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 2 before Magisterial District Judge Maureen Coggins.
The case will be prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Nichola Beeson, captain of the Family Protection Unit.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Bucks and receive free news updates.
