Former Glee actor expected to plead not guilty to federal child porn charges

LOS ANGELES - “Glee” actor Mark Wayne Salling is expected to enter a not-guilty plea in Los Angeles today to federal charges of receiving and possessing child poography on his laptop computer and a flash memory drive.

Salling, 33, of Shadow Hills, best known for his role as Noah Puckerman on the now-defunct television show, was named in a two-count indictment retued last week by a federal grand jury, according to the U.S. Attoey’s Office in Los Angeles.

“Those who download and possess child poography create a market that causes more children to be harmed,” said U.S. Attoey Eileen M. Decker. “Young victims are harmed every time an image is generated, every time it is distributed, and every time it is viewed.”

The indictment specifically alleges that Salling used the inteet to receive on Dec. 26, 2015, a still image and a video depicting child po involving young girls. The second count charges Salling with possessing two videos depicting similar illegal material three days later.

“The traditional stereotype about the kinds of people who commit child sexual exploitation crimes simply doesn’t dovetail with reality,” said Joseph Macias, Special Agent in Charge for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations in Los Angeles.

“As our investigators can attest, the defendants in child poography cases come in all ages and from all walks of life,” he said. “While people are often surprised when high-profile individuals come under scrutiny in such investigations, we hope cases like this will raise awareness about law enforcement’s vigilance to combat the online sexual exploitation of children and hold those involved, regardless of their position, accountable for their actions.”

The laptop, a hard drive, and a USB flash drive seized from Salling’s home contained thousands of images and videos depicting child po, according to investigators, who are continuing to review the material.

Salling was initially arrested by the Los Angeles Police Department and HSI on state charges and released on bond. Once investigators realized the scope of the collection of child poography, the matter was referred to federal authorities for further action, which resulted in the May 27 indictment.

“It doesn’t matter who you are or what you do; if you hurt a child you will be held accountable,” said Lt. Andrea Grossman, commander of the LAPD Inteet Crimes Against Children Task Force. “These images are more than photographs, they are child abuse.”

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The charge of receiving child po carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison and a maximum of 20 years. The charge of possessing child poography also carries a maximum of 20 years.