Former Pittsburgh-Area Cop Possessed Child Sex Abuse Materials: Authorities

PITTSBURGH, PA — A retired Pittsburgh-area police officer who worked in a school has been criminally charged with possessing child sexual abuse material.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced on Wednesday that former officer Peter J. Benedict Jr., 68, has been charged with 11 felony counts of possession of child sexual abuse material and criminal use of a communication facility. The material was found during a search of Benedict's home earlier this week.

Benendict served as a school resource officer in 2022 and 2023 before retiring. Sunday's office did not specify at which school he was is employed.

“This is unacceptable, lewd, criminal behavior for any member of society — let alone someone who took a sworn oath to protect his community as a law enforcement officer,” Sunday said in a statement.

On July 22, agents from Sunday's office executed a search warrant at Benedict’s home in Beaver County and seized electronic devices.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding the investigation of Benedict is encouraged to contact the Office of Attorney General at 800-385-1044.