Philadelphia man moved to Connecticut during Office of Attorney General’s investigation into possession of files
HARRISBURG — Attorney General Dave Sunday announced charges against a former Philadelphia County man for possessing numerous files of child sexual abuse material.
Matthew Blum, 45, was arrested this week in Connecticut and charged with multiple felony counts of sexual abuse of children (possession of child sexual abuse material) and one count of criminal use of a communication facility.
During attempts to take Blum into custody, the Office of Attorney General’s Child Predator Section learned that Blum relocated to Connecticut, and he was arrested there Tuesday as a fugitive of justice.
He is currently awaiting extradition to Philadelphia County for arraignment.
“Exploiting or abusing children is among the most heinous conduct we come across, and we take very seriously our obligation to keep kids safe,” Attorney General Sunday said. “Our Child Predator Section will continue to pursue these offenders and hold them fully accountable for their crimes.”
The investigation began after Office of Attorney General agents received tips regarding Blum searching for suspected child sexual abuse material using Microsoft Bing.
Investigators later conducted a search at Blum’s former Weikel Street home in Philadelphia. Numerous files of child sexual abuse material were found on his cellphone.
This case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Mary Phillips of the Child Predator Section. Criminal charges, and any discussion thereof, are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
# # #