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A Lancaster County man, Robert L. MacMichael, has been charged after authorities discovered thousands of files containing child sexual abuse material and drug paraphernalia at his residence in Ephrata. The Ephrata Police Department, in collaboration with the Lancaster County Computer Task Force, executed a search warrant on March 10 in the 100 block of Spruce Street, leading to the arrest.
During the search, investigators seized several electronic devices containing over 500 videos and 2,000 images of child sexual abuse material. Additionally, police found approximately six grams of methamphetamine, three glass smoking pipes, a digital gram scale, and other drug paraphernalia. MacMichael, aged 61, faces seven counts of possession of child sexual abuse material, one count of possession of a controlled substance, and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia.
According to WGAL, MacMichael's bail was set at $100,000, which he posted before being released from Lancaster County Prison. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Tuesday (April 22) at 9 a.m.
Local21 News reports that the charges were filed on Friday (April 17), and the investigation is ongoing. This case highlights the importance of the collaborative efforts between local law enforcement and specialized task forces in addressing and prosecuting such serious offenses.