Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane has announced the arrest of Ryan A. Hess, of South Whitehall Township, on child pornography charges.

According to the criminal complaint, Hess, 37, of 1737 N. 17th St., allegedly used a computer to download and share sexually graphic images of children under the age of 18.

On May 13, agents from the Office of Attorney General and officers from the South Whitehall Police Department executed a search warrant at Hess' residence.

A preliminary search of Hess' computer allegedly located multiple images of child pornography and a known file sharing program.

Hess was charged with 50 counts of possession of child pornography, two counts of dissemination of child pornography and one count of criminal use of a communication facility. His preliminary hearing is tentatively scheduled for May 21.

Kane thanks South Whitehall police for their assistance with Hess' arrest.

Hess will be prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Rebecca Elo of the Child Predator Section.

Suspected child predators can be reported to the Office of Attorney General by calling the Child Predator Hotline at 1-800-385-1044.

Individuals who suspect an online predator or child sexual abuse can also send an anonymous tip to the office by texting PAKIDS + YOUR TIP to 847411.