Centre Co. sex offender found with dozens of images of child porn on his phone

CENTRE COUNTY, Pa (WJAC) — Authorities with the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General say a Centre County sex offender is back behind bars after investigators discovered dozens of images of child pornography on his phone.

Officials say they began investigating last October after agents received a report of suspected child pornography being uploaded via the social media app known as Discord.

Authorities say the account was later linked to an address in Howard, Centre County, where 39-year-old Eric Mann reportedly resided.

Investigators noted that Mann had a prior conviction, in 2018, for attempted coercion and enticement of a minor and is a registered sex offender.

Authorities say that when they questioned Mann, he reportedly admitted to having a Snapchat and Instagram accounts but claimed that he had never used Discord.

Officials say he also reportedly stated that he is "not allowed to have a Facebook account."

Upon further investigation, agents found that his internet browser history was "empty," but investigators discovered "bookmarks" for two online chat rooms.

Officials say multiple devices were seized from Mann's possession and forensic search of them allegedly lead to the discovery of 63 images and videos of child porn on his cellphone.

Authorities say many of the images reportedly showed children engaged in various sexual acts.

According to online court records, Mann was arraigned Tuesday on dozens of counts of felony child pornography and one count of criminal use of a communication device.

He is being held in the Centre County Prison and officials say his bail was denied due to his "federal lifetime supervision for similar charges."

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