‘Glee’ Actor Mark Salling charged with possession of child pornography

Actor Mark Salling was charged on Friday for receiving and possessing child pornography after a thorough investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Authorities seized various digital items including a laptop, a USB flash drive and a hard disk drive from his home. Their findings contained thousands of videos and images depicting sexual acts involving minors.

The indictment indicates that the Salling was in possession of (at least) one video and image of “a prepubescent minor and a minor who had not attained 12 years of age.” In fact, the title of one particular video claimed the child was only 5 years old.

The case has now been transferred to the federal authorities, according to Lt. Andrea Grossman of the LAPD Internet Crimes Against Children task force.

“Those who download and possess child pornography create a market that causes more children to be harmed,” U. S. Attorney Eileen M. Decker said in a statement. “Young victims are harmed every time an image is generated, every time it is distributed, and every time it is viewed,” she continued.

The statement also reminds people that “every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.”

If guilty, Salling would serve a minimum of five years in federal prison for the charge. Both charges, however, carry a maximum of 20 years behind bars.

The statement also implies that nobody is above the law, including high-profile individuals.

“It doesn’t matter who you are or what you do, if you hurt a child you will be held accountable,” said Lt. Grossman. “These images are more than photographs, they are child abuse.”

Salling’s arraignment is set for Jun. 3.