By Melanie Lekocevic
Capital Region Independent Media
BETHLEHEM — A Bethlehem man was arrested Thursday and faces charges of possessing and promoting child pornography, according to a statement from state police.
Andrew Pegler, 35, of Bethlehem, was arrested July 21 at around 8:40 a.m.
“Pegler is accused of possessing and promoting images consistent with child sexual exploitation via the internet,” state police said. “His arrest followed an investigation stemming from a cyber tip received by the New York State Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the execution of a search warrant at his residence.”
The investigation was conducted by state police from the Latham BCI, with assistance from the Troop G Computer Crimes Unit and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Pegler is charged with possessing a sexual performance by a child, a class E felony; promoting a sexual performance by a child, a class D felony; and obstructing governmental administration and resisting arrest, both class A misdemeanors.
Pegler was arraigned in Bethlehem Town Court and was remanded to the Albany County Correctional Facility. Bail has been set at $25,000 cash or $50,000 bond.
Police are asking anyone with information about the case to email crimetips@troopers.ny.gov.