HARRISBURG — Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that a Philadelphia man — a repeat offender — has pleaded guilty to victimizing at least five women by stealing intimate photos from cellphones, then posting the content online without permission.
On Friday, 34-year-old Tyler J. Jones pleaded guilty to eight felonies and nine misdemeanors. In accordance with a plea agreement, Jones will serve 2 ½ to 5 years in state prison, followed by five years of probation. He must register as a sex offender for 15 years and is prohibited from having any contact with the victims.
Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Judge Zachary Shaffer accepted the guilty plea and agreement terms, and will formally impose sentence on Oct. 30.
“Engaging in this deviant criminal conduct has been a lifestyle for this defendant, so years in prison is the appropriate resolution for this disturbing case,” Attorney General Sunday said. “Every time the defendant posted one of these stolen images or videos — and every time that content was viewed online — the person depicted was revictimized. My position on digital crimes such as these has been clear: the impact and devastation is very real and will be treated accordingly.”
Jones was previously convicted of secretly recording college students in a bathroom, then posting videos online. He is also charged in New Jersey with similar conduct to the most recent cases in Pennsylvania.
In the recent Pennsylvania cases, Jones sent himself photos of the victims by gaining access to their phones or the phones of the victims’ partners. He then posted the photos on various websites. In at least one instance, he publicized the victim’s full name.
The Office of Attorney General accepted the case on a referral from the Philadelphia District Attorneys’ Office, and subsequent investigation led to charges being filed last year by the Philadelphia Police Department.
The current case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Madelyn Abry.
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