2 more men charged as investigators comb through Centre County child sex abuse case
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- State police charged two men after video evidence showed sexual acts with children.
- Prosecutors allege Samuel Friday recruited underage girls for paid sexual conduct.
- Investigators review hundreds of photos and videos and urge witnesses to call.
Two men were charged Thursday in connection with an ongoing child sexual abuse investigation after state police at Rockview said they were seen engaging in sexual acts with children on video.
Michael H. Woomer, 66, of Taylor Township, and Morris W. Reese, 64, of Blair County, were the latest to be charged as investigators comb through hundreds of photographs and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children.
A trooper said in an affidavit of probable cause that a brief review of the images showed it appears the alleged crimes have been occurring for multiple years. Each were charged with 10 felony counts of child sexual abuse material.
Neither was arraigned as of 7 p.m. Thursday. No defense lawyer was listed for either man.
Centre County prosecutors have held out Samuel C. Friday, 67, of Taylor Township, as the main man behind the solicitation and production of the images.
They alleged he solicited underage teenage girls to his basement, where he then offered to pay them cash in exchange for a range of sexual conduct. That included children wearing provocative outfits Friday provided, undressing, posing for photographs and engaging in sexual activity with him.
Centre County First Assistant District Attorney Josh Andrews said Friday’s basement was fitted with a bed, a wall-mounted camera and sex toys. As of Wednesday, investigators had no evidence that force was used to compel anyone to enter the home. Instead, they believe the teens were solicited, encouraged and offered money for their cooperation.
During an interview earlier this week, troopers said Friday admitted to taking nude photographs of a juvenile female and having some “sexual involvement” with her.
The scope of any criminal conduct, the number and identity of those possibly involved, and the manner in which Friday contacted the juveniles was not known as of Wednesday, though the investigation is ongoing. Two juveniles seen in the images were known to law enforcement.
Investigators urged those with information 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 Wednesday. “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.”
Friday is also 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 Friday’s accusers are fearful of retaliation.
He’s incarcerated at the Centre County Correctional Facility and his preliminary hearing is scheduled for Nov. 26.
This story was originally published November 20, 2025 at 8:23 PM.