Possible victims urged to come forward in Centre County child sex abuse investigation
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Prosecutors suspect Samuel Friday produced child sexual images in his basement.
- Investigators recovered photos, videos and storage drives; several minors are identified.
- Authorities urge witnesses and possible victims to contact investigators and prosecutors.
A prosecutor said Wednesday that a Centre County man accused of possessing sexually explicit photos and videos of children is also suspected of producing the images in his basement fitted with a wall-mounted camera, sex toys and provocative outfits.
Centre County First Assistant District Attorney Josh Andrews said the scope of any criminal conduct and the number and identity of those possibly involved is not known as of Wednesday, though the state police at Rockview investigation is ongoing.
He urged those with information about Samuel Friday, 67, of Taylor Township, to contact either trooper Jonathan Hodges at 814-355-7545 or county detective John Aston at 814-355-6735.
“We know that coming forward can be difficult. It can feel overwhelming, emotional, or intimidating. But I want to assure you, you are not alone,” Andrews said. “Our team of prosecutors, investigators, and victim-advocacy professionals are here to listen, to support you, and to guide you through every step of the process.
“When victims and witnesses come forward, it strengthens our ability to uncover the truth and hold offenders accountable. Even if you are unsure whether what you experienced is relevant, we urge you to reach out.”
A message left Wednesday afternoon with Friday’s defense lawyer Austin Nolen was not immediately returned.
Friday was arrested earlier this week after police said they discovered him in possession of hundreds of images depicting him and other men performing sex acts with children. Andrews said troopers found photographs, video tapes and electronic storage drives in Friday’s home.
A review is ongoing, but Andrews said investigators have identified several sexually explicit images showing people either known or suspected to be teenagers under the age of 18. Two juveniles are known to law enforcement; an investigation into the identity of others is ongoing.
“We certainly have reason to believe that there are other individuals under the age of 18 included in the material that has already been reviewed, yes,” Andrews said in response to a question asking if prosecutors believed there are other potential victims.
Friday is believed to have invited the underage teenagers to his basement, where he offered to pay them cash in exchange for what Andrews described as a range of sexual conduct. That included wearing provocative outfits Friday provided, undressing, posing for photographs and engaging in sexual activity with him.
As of Wednesday, Andrews said investigators have no evidence that force was used to compel anyone to enter the home. Prosecutors instead believe the teens were solicited, encouraged and offered money in exchange for their cooperation.
During an interview Monday, troopers said Friday admitted to taking nude photographs of a juvenile female and having some “sexual involvement” with her.
Andrews said it is not yet clear how Friday contacted the juveniles. Investigators suspect the alleged crimes have been going on for years, though the earliest alleged instance is not known. Two elderly family members lived at the home, Andrews said.
An affidavit of probable cause filed Tuesday said some of the uncovered videos showed two other men performing sex acts with a juvenile. Andrews said it is unclear who may be involved.
“Certainly not everything that has been recovered is automatically criminal or automatically implicates criminal conduct, but the investigation is ongoing as to the scope and reach of any criminal conduct that may have occurred,” Andrews said.
Friday is charged with 10 felony counts of child sexual abuse material. He was denied bail Tuesday by District Judge Casey McClain, who cited pending charges related to the “physical acts” and because his accusers are afraid of retaliation.
Friday is incarcerated at the Centre County Correctional Facility and his preliminary hearing is scheduled for Nov. 26.