US: State senator faces child pornography charges

By Vakkas Dogantekin

ANKARA (AA) - A Pennsylvania lawmaker has been arrested on child pornography charges, the attorney general in the northeastern state said late Tuesday.

Michael J. Folmer, 63, a four-term Republican state senator from the city of Lebanon, was charged with possessing child pornography, sexual abuse of children, and other crimes, Attorney General Josh Shapiro said in a statement.

“I will continue to say it -- no one is above the law, no matter what position of power they hold,” said Shapiro.

According to the statement, the investigation began as a result of CyberTip reporting by Tumblr after the service provider app discovered that a user had uploaded image of child pornography.

When the investigation led to Folmer's residence, federal agencies executed a search warrant and found illegal images on his phone, said Shapiro.

Folmer was arrested Tuesday on charges of sexual abuse of children, possession of child pornography, and criminal use of a communication facility.