30-year-old Shawn T. Smick of Philadelphia, PA has been charged with alleged possession and dissemination of child sexual abuse material, the Berks County District Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday morning.
In April of 2025, an investigation was initiated after the Berks County Detective’s Office received 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). The complaint stated that CSAM had been uploaded and shared utilizing the internet/web application ‘KIK Messenger’.
As part of this investigation, detectives identified the Internet Protocol (IP) address utilized to upload these files. An administrative subpoena was served upon the internet service provider. The IP address was determined to be linked to the defendant.
Members of the Berks County Detectives served a search warrant at the defendant’s previous residence located in Caernarvon Township, Berks County (PA). A mobile phone was seized during this search. A forensic analysis was conducted on the device by the Berks County District Attorney’s Forensic Services Unit. As a result, numerous digital images and digital videos of CSAM were identified.
According to authorities, the defendant was later interviewed by members of the Berks County Detectives and admitted to possessing CSAM and participating in file sharing activity.
On Monday, August 18, 2025, a warrant of arrest was obtained for the defendant. The defendant surrendered to members of the Berks County Detectives and was transported to the Berks County Sheriffs Central Processing Center.
The defendant was charged with Sexual Abuse of Children – Dissemination of Child Pornography. Sexual Abuse of Children – Possession of Child Pornography. Criminal Use of a Communications Facility
Magisterial District Judge Kauffman set bail at $75,000 unsecured.
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.