Anthony John Valente charged with photographing children and possessing CSAM
Ephrata Police and state investigators executed a June 18 search warrant after a juvenile reported nude photos had been taken; electronic devices seized contained numerous images and videos of child sexual abuse material.
The Ephrata Police Department filed multiple criminal charges on July 2, 2026, against 41-year-old Gap resident Anthony John Valente, including four counts of sexual abuse of children by photographing and filming, eight counts of possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), criminal use of a communication facility, four counts of unlawful contact with a minor, and four counts of corruption of minors. The investigation began in June 2026 after a juvenile reported their father had taken nude photographs of them while living in Reinholds; on June 18, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a Skyline Drive residence in Gap and seized electronic devices containing numerous images and videos. Following arraignment by Magisterial District Justice William E. Benner Jr., bail was set at $150,000 and Valente is being held at Lancaster County Prison; all individuals are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.