MONROEVILLE, Pa. – A former western Pennsylvania volunteer youth pastor has waived his right to a preliminary hearing on charges he possessed hundreds of images and videos of child pornography, some featuring adults performing sex acts with infants.
Forty-five-year-old Andrew Patterson, of Monroeville, remained jailed after waiving Tuesday’s hearing. He must now stand trial in Allegheny County.
The district attorney’s office charged Patterson earlier this month after child pornography being shared on the Internet was traced to Patterson’s computer address. Patterson’s attorney declined comment.
Officials say the Living Waters Family Worship Center in Irwin says Patterson resigned his volunteer position hours before his arrest Oct. 16.
Prosecutors have been asking anyone with concerns about Patterson’s behavior to contact their office since he had contact with children 12 and older at the non-denominational church.
