A federal grand jury has indicted Jerry Zweitzig of Hatboro with five counts of manufacturing child porn and one count of possessing it. An investigation revealed sexually explicit pictures and videos of at least one child under the age of 12.
The 71-year-old Zweitzig is facing hundreds of child porn-related charges in Montgomery County in connection with two incidents — one from 2014, and another from 2018.
The former pastor used to work at Horsham Bible Church along Upland Avenue in Horsham, behind Keith Valley Middle School.
The church has since closed.
If convicted in federal court, Zweitzig could face up to 170 years in prison, with a minimum mandatory term of 15 years, five years of supervised release, and a $1.5 million fine.
In a statement, U.S. Attorney Bill McSwain added: "Child exploitation is a pervasive problem — made more so by the accessibility of the internet and digital media — that demands an aggressive response.
"The allegations in this case are particularly disturbing due to the defendant’s history as a spiritual leader in a position of community trust. We stand ready with our federal and local partners to identify and prosecute those who would prey upon minor children."
Zweitzig remains in jail, and is next due in a Montgomery County court on Wednesday.