Former Doctor Enters Guilty Plea To Child Pornography Distribution Charges

     The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that David H. Scanlan III, a former physician-in-training in pediatric oncology at Penn State Hershey Medical Center, pleaded guilty to child pornography distribution charges today in U.S. District Court in Harrisburg.  Scanlan was charged last week in a one-count criminal Information.

     The plea was entered in open court before U.S. District Judge John E. Jones III in Harrisburg.  Judge Jones accepted the plea, adjudicated Scanlan guilty of the charge, and ordered a Presentence Report.

     Judge Jones told Scanlan that the plea agreement made between him and the Government is not binding on the court, and that he can sentence Scanlan up to the maximum of 20 years in federal prison.

     Scanlan was released pending sentencing, but was ordered that he be confined to his residence in Virginia under electronic monitoring by the U.S. Probation Office, except for approved absences such as employment and medical appointments.

     Judge Jones warned Scanlan that any deviation from the conditions of release would be reported to him immediately and subject Scanlan to severe consequences.  Sentencing likely will take place this summer.

     The case was investigation by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Pennsylvania State Police, and Homeland Security Investigations.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James T. Clancy.