CLARKS SUMMIT, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — A Lackawanna County man is facing dozens of charges following an investigation into child sexual abuse material.
The Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office says 48-year-old Michael Malinauskas of Clarks Summit was taken into custody after detectives executed a search warrant at his home on Grandview Street on April 1.
Authorities say the investigation began after a cyber tip indicated files depicting child sexual abuse material were being uploaded from the residence. During the search, investigators say they recovered digital evidence confirming the presence of those files.
Malinauskas is charged with 100 counts related to the possession of child pornography.
According to investigators, he admitted to viewing the material for several years and accessing it multiple times each week.
Officials also say Malinauskas has a prior conviction for similar offenses dating back to 2007. If convicted, he could face a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in prison.
He is currently awaiting arraignment, and a preliminary hearing is expected to be scheduled within the next 10 days.
Authorities emphasized that the charges are allegations, and Malinauskas is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.