Church Volunteer In Court On Child Porn, Endangerment Charges
MONROEVILLE (KDKA) – As Andrew Patterson left the magistrate's office in Monroeville Tuesday, the one-time church volunteer hid his face.
He didn't respond to reporter questions asking if he had any comment.
The 45-year-old faces the most heinous of crimes, possession and distribution of child pornography and sexual abuse of children.
Investigators say he shared photos with others on the internet of children in sexually explicit situations. All of it was retrieved from his computer. Some of the children were babies and as young as 4 years old.
It all allegedly happened in June of this year.
According to the criminal complaint, Patterson recently began doing volunteer work with youth groups at the Living Waters Family Worship center in Irwin, Westmoreland County.
Rev. Roy Tryon is the minister at the church. He was in court and recalled getting a message from Patterson on his cell phone. He reportedly said, "I resign. I expect to be arrested soon. I'm a horrible person."
"I was totally shocked and surprised, but didn't have a clue as to why this was all coming about and why his remorse," said Tryon.
Tryon says Patterson was never alone with any of the children at the church.
However, the Allegheny County District Attorney says if anyone at the church has concerns about Patterson's behavior, to contact DA Stephen Zappala's office.
When Patterson was arrested at his Monroeville home for the child pornography charges, police say they found the house in deplorable condition.
Patterson lived there with his wife and 14-year-old daughter. Investigators say there was an overwhelming stench of urine and ammonia. There were also dog feces throughout the house and 10 Pomeranian dogs had free reign of the residence.
For this, Patterson was charged with endangering the welfare of a child, his daughter.
For the child pornography charges, Patterson's bond is $45,000 straight cash. For the charge of endangering the welfare of a child, it's $5,000.
Patterson is back at the Allegheny County Jail.
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