Man accused of sending sexually explicit content waives hearing

From staff reports

A Lackawanna County man accused of sending sexually explicit content to a 14-year-old Cranberry girl waived his preliminary hearing Wednesday in Venango County Central Court.

Jason Duplessis, 25, of Olyphant, was charged with felony counts of photograph/film/depict on computer sex act, obscene/sexual material – dissemination to minors and unlawful contact with minor, in addition to misdemeanor counts of corruption of minors and harassment.

A criminal complaint filed through District Judge Patrick Lowrey’s office said on June 6, Franklin state police were alerted to a report of a suspected child abuse incident involving a 14-year-old girl and an adult man.

On June 18, police spoke with the girl’s parents, who said they believe their daughter to be messaging a man later identified as Duplessis. Police received sexually explicit messages between the girl and Duplessis, in addition to interactions on several social media platforms made between February and June, the complaint said.

The interactions included sexually explicit photos of Duplessis and acknowledgment of their respective ages, the complaint said.

During their investigations, police found explicit conversations and photos shared between Duplessis and other females, including a juvenile believed to be between the ages of 7-10, the complaint said.

Duplessis remains lodged in the Venango County jail. Bail was denied as Duplessis is considered a flight risk, according to online court documents.