Tamaqua police officer charged with production and distribution of child pornography and sexual abuse of animals | State

TAMAQUA, Pennsylvania – A Tamaqua police officer in Schuylkill County is accused of producing and distributing child pornography and sexually abusing animals.

Christopher Cordes, 29, faces several charges, including possession, production and distribution of child pornography, solicitation and conspiracy to sexually abuse children, unauthorized contact with a minor and sexual intercourse with an animal, according to court documents.

Cordes is an officer with the Tamaqua Police Department. The department says it is not aware of any allegations of inappropriate conduct while Cordes was on duty.

The investigation was initiated when the Delaware County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force was contacted by the company Snap, Inc. about a user who posted a nude photo of a child, according to court documents.

According to the affidavit, Cordes used the account name “haytherecowboy,” said he wanted to impregnate a 13-year-old girl he was chatting with, and stated he was attracted to children.

Cordes has been suspended indefinitely without pay due to conduct unbecoming a police officer, according to a statement from the Tamaqua Police Department. The department says it is cooperating fully with the Attorney General’s investigation into Cordes and will continue to do so.

The ministry says it is not in a position to comment specifically on the allegations.

Cordes is behind bars in the Columbia County Jail.

Bail was set at $250,000.

The full story comes at 6 a.m. on 69 News from 69 News reporter Priscilla Liguori.