Additional victims urged to come forward
BELLEFONTE – Three men from the region have been accused of numerous child sex offenses – and officials are urging victims to come forward.
Centre County District Attorney’s office on Wednesday, Nov. 19 held a press conference regarding the arrest of a Centre County man on child sex charges.
On Monday, Nov. 17, Samuel Friday, 67, of Tyrone, was arrested and remains in custody after being denied bail.
After Friday’s arrest was announced, two additional arrests were made. On Thursday, Nov. 20, Morris W. Reese and Michael Howard Woomer of Tyrone were arrested by the Pennsylvania State Police on charges of possession of child pornography. It is alleged that Reese and Woomer were involved with Samuel C. Friday in engaging in and videotaping child pornography at a residence in Tyrone, Centre County.
After receiving a report that Friday was soliciting underage teenagers for sexual conduct, Trooper Jonathan Hodges of the Rockview-based state police and a team from the PSP quickly obtained a search warrant for Friday’s Tyrone residence located in Centre County — and found photographs, video tapes, and electronic storage drives containing sexually explicit material.
Review of that material is ongoing and will take time, but investigators have identified several sexually explicit images and files depicting individuals either known or suspected of being teenagers under the age of 18.
Two juveniles are already known to law enforcement, and investigation into the identity of others is ongoing.
First Assistant District Attorney Joshua Andrews stated, “We are reasonably certain that there are additional victims and individuals with information on Morris W. Reese, Michael Howard Woomer and Samuel Friday. We know that coming forward can be difficult. It can feel overwhelming, emotional, or intimidating. But I want to assure you, you are not alone. Our team of prosecutors, investigators, and victim-advocacy professionals are here to listen, to support you, and to guide you through every step of the process. When victims and witnesses come forward, it strengthens our ability to uncover the truth and hold offenders accountable. Even if you are unsure whether what you experienced is relevant, we urge you to reach out.”
Based on what has been discovered since his arrest, the state will be filing a
new complaint against Friday with a range of felony charges related to human
trafficking, production of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.
Womer and Reece will also face new complaints with felony charges
related to patronizing a victim of human trafficking, and production of child
pornography.
“Since the investigation has become public, law enforcement officers have been called by
several people from both Blair and Centre Counties with information about the case,” Andrews said in a statement. “Thanks to the courage of those who have come forward, there is now reason to believe that Mr. Friday has been bringing underage teenagers, mostly from Blair County, to his basement to engage in sexual conduct as early as the 1990s. These reports, and every report that comes in will be fully investigated, and if additional charges are supported and permitted by law, they will be reviewed and filed as appropriate.”
It was further suspected that Friday was not only in possession of the sexually explicit images and videos of minors but solicited and produced them. It has been reported that Friday invited underage teenagers to his basement and offered to pay them cash in exchange for a range of sexual conduct, including wearing provocative outfits which he provided, undressing, posing for photographs, and engaging in sexual activity — sometimes with him, and sometimes while being photographed or recorded.
In addition to the sexually explicit images and files, a bed, provocative outfits, a wall-mounted digital camera, and other items were all found during the search of Friday’s basement. As the investigation progresses, additional charges will be considered and filed as appropriate, Andrews said.
“The law requires that every person so accused, including Friday, be presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt. At this point, the scope of any criminal conduct, and the number and identity of all the individuals possibly involved or impacted is unknown,” Andrews continued.
Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact Trooper Jonathan Hodges at PSP Rockview or by calling in at 814.355.7545, or county Detective John Aston at the District Attorney’s Office at 814-355-6735.
