Human trafficking charges to be brought in Centre County child sex abuse case
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- Centre County prosecutors expect to file human trafficking and other felonies by Tuesday.
- Investigators recovered videos and photos showing minors recorded in Friday’s basement.
- Authorities urge accusers to contact troopers or county detectives with tips.
Centre County prosecutors said Monday they are preparing to file charges related to human trafficking against a man who they believe has been bringing underage teenagers to his basement for sexual conduct since the 1990s.
It would mark the first time human trafficking charges were brought during Centre County District Attorney Bernie Cantorna’s eight years in office.
Cantorna said they expect to file more comprehensive and serious felony charges against Samuel C. Friday, Michael H. Woomer and Morris W. Reese by Tuesday. All three are accused of engaging in sexual conduct with children on camera.
The new charges would be the latest development in the sprawling, ongoing investigation.
Since Friday’s arrest last week, Centre County First Assistant District Attorney Josh Andrews said investigators have been working tirelessly to discover the “complete picture of what has happened” in Friday’s Taylor Township basement. It was fitted with a bed, provocative outfits, a wall-mounted camera and sex toys.
The probe has included a review of hundreds of photos and videos depicting what prosecutors described as the sexual exploitation of children. Andrews said footage recovered from Friday’s basement suggests all three men were assisting with or at least aware of the juveniles being recorded.
Their arrests account for every man suspected to be involved as of Monday. The number and identity of potential victims remains unknown, Andrews said.
Citing phone calls from the public, prosecutors said they believe most of the underage teenage girls who were brought to Friday’s basement are from neighboring Blair County. Friday’s home in Taylor Township is near the county line.
Andrews also said investigators believe the juveniles were paid cash as part of their alleged exploitation. Friday, 67, is also expected to face charges related to the production and possession of child sexual abuse material.
Woomer, 66, of Taylor Township, and Reese, 64, of Blair County, are expected to face charges related to patronizing a victim of human trafficking and the production of child sexual abuse material.
Prosecutors said the potential charges they face could change as more information is uncovered. All three are denied bail and are incarcerated at the Centre County Correctional Facility.
Public’s help sought as investigation continues
Investigators continued to urge those with information to contact either trooper Jonathan Hodges at 814-355-7545 or county detective John Aston at 814-355-6735.
“Many survivors stay silent because of culturally engrained myths and misconceptions about sexual abuse. These myths are not true, but they are powerful, and they often keep people from reporting or reaching out for help,” Andrews said. “Many people might think that ‘real’ child sex abuse is committed by strangers. In reality, most of this abuse is committed by someone the juvenile knows. This can make coming forward feel impossible, especially if the person was trusted, respected, or loved.”
During an interview last week, state police at Rockview said Friday admitted to taking nude photographs of a juvenile female and having some “sexual involvement” with her. Troopers said Woomer and Reese were seen engaging in sexual acts with children on video.
Defense lawyer Brian Manchester, who represents Friday, declined comment Monday. No defense lawyer was listed for either Woomer or Reese.
“Many people might think that if a juvenile agreed to cooperate and there wasn’t force or a struggle, then it isn’t real abuse,” Andrews said. “Offenders often use money, gifts, or promises as tools of manipulation and coercion. These tactics take advantage of a juvenile’s vulnerabilities, their limited life experience, and sometimes their basic needs.
“When a juvenile ‘goes along with it,’ it is not a choice in any meaningful or legal sense. It is the result of grooming and exploitation by an adult who knew exactly what they were doing.”
He further told potential accusers they are not alone — or to blame.
“If any of these myths have kept you silent, we invite you to take the first step,” Andrews said. “Whether you are a teenager, a parent, an adult survivor, or someone who has silently carried this burden for decades: you can come forward. You deserve support. And you deserve to be heard.”