Austin Smock arrested and charged in Adams County

ADAMS COUNTY, Pennsylvania – An Adams County man has been charged with allegedly soliciting illegal photographs from a child.

According to a probable cause affidavit, officers responded on May 20 to an investigation into unauthorized contact with a minor that had been reported to a Virginia sheriff’s office.

In March 2020, the 10-year-old victim reportedly began talking to 30-year-old Austin Smock of New Oxford. During the conversation, Smock allegedly discussed masturbation and other sexually related topics.

According to the affidavit, Smock was aware that the victim was under 18 years old.

During the conversations, Smock allegedly received explicit photographs of the victim and told the victim that he wished he would be more than “just friends” when they were older.

On July 26, Smock allegedly admitted to viewing sexually explicit photos of the victim and deleting them. He also admitted to deleting his Snapchat account and attempting to destroy evidence related to his account because he “did not want to get in trouble,” the probable cause affidavit states.

Smock was charged with child pornography, criminal use of a communication facility, unlawful contact with a minor, discussion of explicit sexual material with a minor, and enticement of a minor. His bail was set at $1 million and Smock was booked into the Adams County Jail.

His preliminary hearing is scheduled for August 7.