CHILD ABUSE/CHILD PORNOGRAPHY ARREST - M. LEININGER

DEFENDANT:      Michael W. Leininger (64 years of age)
                             Laureldale, PA
CHARGES:      Sexual Abuse of Children - Possession of Child Pornography (F2)
                        

DETAILS OF INCIDENT:

The Berks County District Attorney’s Detective unit initiated a criminal investigation after receiving a complaint from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (N.C.M.E.C.), involving digital files of suspected Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) that had been uploaded and viewed utilizing the internet/web application “Bing/Bing Image’.

As part of this investigation, investigators identified the Internet Protocol (IP) Address utilized to upload these files. An administrative subpoena was served upon the internet service provider, and the IP address was linked to the defendant.

Detectives executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence located in Laureldale Borough, Berks County (PA). A cellular telephone and several laptop computers were seized during this search.
Forensic analysis was conducted on the defendant’s devices by the Berks County District Attorney’s Forensic Services Unit. As a result, several digital files of suspected CSAM were located on one of the laptops seized from the defendant’s residence.

On Monday, June 16, 2025, the Defendant was charged with Sexual Abuse of Children – Possession of Child Pornography.

On Wednesday, June 18, 2025, the Defendant surrendered to members of the Berks County District Attorney Detectives. The defendant was transported to the Central Processing Center located at the Berks County Sheriff’s Department. A preliminary arraignment occurred, and his bail was set at $25,000.

As in every criminal case, the fact that an arrest occurred or a criminal complaint has been filed is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.