Centre Co. journalist accused of having sexual communications with FBI agent posing as teen girl
Centre Co., PA (WJAC) — Authorities in Centre County say a local journalist is facing charges after he reportedly engaged in sexually explicit communications with whom he thought was a 14-year-old girl.
Investigators say in July of 2022, 54-year-old Christopher Morelli, of Pleasant Gap, allegedly began communicating with an undercover FBI agent who was posing as a teenager.
According to the affidavit, authorities say Morelli allegedly attempted to arrange multiple meetings with the "teen."
Investigators say Morelli also reportedly sent sexually explicit photos of himself and solicited sexual photos from the "teen."
Police say during one of the communications, Morelli allegedly asked the "teen" to meet him at a hotel in order to partake in a "photo shoot."
During the course of the investigation and communications, officials say authorities learned that Morelli was reportedly employed as a news journalist who works near Penn State University.
Centre County officials confirmed to 6 News that Morelli is most recently employed by the Centre County Gazette.
When asked for any response regarding the allegations, the Centre County Gazette confirmed that Morelli worked as the newspaper's managing editor and has been placed on indefinite suspension.
We learned today from police that an employee of The Centre County Gazette, Christopher Morelli has been charged with away from work criminal behavior, not related to his employment. This employee has been placed on indefinite suspension until further information becomes available from the authorities.According to online court records, Morelli was arraigned Wednesday on charges of unlawful contact with a minor and criminal use of a communication device.
He is being held in the Centre County Prison on $250,000 bail.
Editor's note: The story has been updated with the latest statement from Morelli's employer.
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