Judge dismisses 2 charges against Altoona man accused of sending sexual messages
Blair Co., PA (WJAC) — During a preliminary hearing on Wednesday, Blair County Magisterial District Judge Daniel DeAntonio dismissed two felony counts of attempted unlawful contact with a minor against an Altoona man accused of sending sexually explicit messages to members of an online group posing as a teenage girl.
Earlier this month, police arrested 21-year-old Kenneth Pownell after they were contacted by members of the online group 814 Pred Hunters.
Police say the group had been in contact with Pownell while posing as a 14-year-old girl.
Investigators say Pownell had initially agreed to meet with the "teen" at a local Sheetz but later "backed out."
Police say the group confronted Pownell and shared copies of sexually explicit messages and photos that Pownell had allegedly sent them.
According to online court records, Pownell still faces one felony count of disseminating sexually explicit material to a minor.
His formal arraignment is scheduled for April 28th.
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