Inspection of two desktop computers, a laptop and an iPhone belonging to Gerald William Spoto have allegedly turned up 274 images of what authorities are calling “child sexual abuse material” all involving the same victim, a 13-year-old boy.
The 41-year-old Bristol Township man is already accused of abusing six other boys in alleged incidents that date back to the 1990s when he worked for Neshaminy Kids Club, an after-school program for Neshaminy School District students. Neshaminy Kids Club is not run by Neshaminy School District, but it independently provides before- and after-care for students in district schools for the parents who need it.
At the time of his initial December arrest, police reported that Spoto met boys at Herbert Hoover Elementary School and subsequently began babysitting them at the Middletown Township home where he resided at the time.
The seventh alleged victim was reportedly identified when Spoto’s electronics were searched.
Police said they identified and interviewed that boy on Jan. 2 and again on Tuesday and, during the latter conversation, he reportedly acknowledged that Spoto abused him over a two-year period that began when he was 11 years old and that the alleged incidents took place at his Bristol Township home.
For the allegations involving the seventh boy, Spoto was charged this week with 558 additional felony counts.
According to court documents, he faces three new counts of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse; two counts of indecent assault of a person less than 13; two counts of indecent assault of a person less than 16; and one count each of corruption of minors and unlawful contact with a minor. He also faces 274 counts of photographing or filming a child sex act and 275 counts of possession of child pornography.
Arraigned Friday and denied bail due, according to the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office, to “public safety concerns and Spoto being a flight risk as he is in the process of selling his home,” he was taken to the county jail to await a preliminary hearing scheduled for Feb. 27.
Investigators reportedly believe there may be additional victims and encouraged anyone with information about Spoto to contact Middletown Township Police Detective John Beck at (215) 750-3872 ext. 2215.
Join our readers whose generous donations are making it possible for you to read our news coverage. Help keep local journalism alive and our community strong. Donate today.
