Oil Creek Township Man Charged with Over 50 Counts of Child Exploitation

Suspect waives preliminary hearing, case transferred to county court

Apr. 1, 2026 at 11:20am

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A 58-year-old Crawford County, Pennsylvania man has been charged with 58 felony counts related to the possession and distribution of child pornography. Mark Edward Ames allegedly admitted to using the KIK messaging app and being a member of a chat room known for sharing illegal materials involving minors.

Why it matters

The case highlights the ongoing challenge law enforcement faces in combating the online exploitation of children, which has become increasingly prevalent with the rise of encrypted messaging apps and dark web forums. It also raises concerns about the mental health and motivations of individuals accused of these types of crimes.

The details

According to the criminal complaint, the investigation began when the Pennsylvania State Police Northwest Computer Crime Task Force received three CyberTips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about child pornography being uploaded to KIK. Police traced the suspect's IP address to an account registered to Ames. During a search of Ames' home, he allegedly admitted to using KIK and seeing child pornography, including materials he described as 'nice to look at.' Investigators seized Ames' cell phone and found 55 videos depicting prepubescent females engaged in sexual acts.

  • The investigation began in early February 2026 when the Pennsylvania State Police received the CyberTips.
  • On February 6, 2026, authorities executed a search warrant at Ames' home.
  • Ames was arraigned on February 11, 2026 before Magisterial District Judge Benjamin P. Leach.
  • On March 31, 2026, Ames waived his preliminary hearing, and the case was transferred to the Crawford County Court of Common Pleas.

The players

Mark Edward Ames

A 58-year-old resident of Oil Creek Township, Pennsylvania who has been charged with 58 felony counts related to child exploitation.

Pennsylvania State Police Northwest Computer Crime Task Force

The law enforcement unit that initiated the investigation after receiving CyberTips about child pornography being uploaded to the KIK messaging app.

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

The organization that provided the CyberTips to the Pennsylvania State Police that led to the investigation.

Magisterial District Judge Benjamin P. Leach

The judge who arraigned Ames on the charges and oversaw the preliminary hearing that was ultimately waived.

Homeland Security Investigations

The federal agency that assisted with the execution of the search warrant and investigation.

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What they’re saying

“When an officer described the materials as depictions of young girls being raped, Ames responded that the children were not being raped in the images and videos.”

— Mark Edward Ames, Suspect

What’s next

Ames remains free on $100,000 unsecured bail. The case has been transferred to the Crawford County Court of Common Pleas, where further legal proceedings will take place.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenge law enforcement faces in combating the online exploitation of children, which has become increasingly prevalent with the rise of encrypted messaging apps and dark web forums. It also raises concerns about the mental health and motivations of individuals accused of these types of crimes.