Coopersburg EMT Charged with Child Pornography Keeps Credentials

Christian Ford, 28, of Harleysville (Montgomery County) was supposed to be in court today for a 9am hearing, but for reasons unknown to the court, Ford wasn't transported from the Delaware County Prison.

Ford is charged with for using his laptop both to store as well as share child pornography. Ford surrendered to police after his Toshiba laptop was confiscated.

According to the criminal complaint, “55 videos/images were located that … depict children, under the age of 18 years old, engaged in sexual acts and/or poses. The images depicted children as young as infants and also children in sexual bondage.”

Also in court today was David Brown, deputy director of the Montgomery County Department of Public Safety, Emergency Medical Services. Brown was appearing as a representative for the Pennsylvania Department of Health to request Ford surrender his EMT license.

"We're asking for both the physical identification attached to the position of EMT as well as the suspension of [Ford's] ability to identify himself as an EMT," said Brown. "It's a shame that one bad apple reflects on the amazing job our EMTs do for the community."

 In front of Ford's family, which included his mother and mother-in-law, assistant district attorney Joseph Lesniak argued that it was crucial that the court rule that those items be surrendered as a condition of Ford's bail.

"We feel for the safety of the public; we need Ford to surrender his credentials," said Lesniak. "As an EMT, he could be called to a scene for a child."

District Judge Vincent Gallagher, as well as defense attorney Harry Kleinman, disagreed with the request.

"I don't see a nexus between [surrendering credentials] and the charges," said Gallagher. "If the man gets out, you can't take away his livelihood. There's no allegation that [Ford] has hurt a child. [The allegations and hurting children] are two different things."

Kleinman agreed. "I visited [Ford] in jail this weekend, and he's very mild mannered."

Kleinman also quickly pointed out that Ford wasn't going to be released any time soon. "It's really a moot issue. He's not going to get out," said Kleinman.

Ford will be in court June 20.