PHILADELPHIA, PA — A 37-year-old Hatboro man faces federal charges in connection with the alleged distribution and attempted distribution of child pornography, according to an announcement made by U.S. Attorney David Metcalf.
Douglas Penglase was arrested on the morning of March 12, 2025, and appeared later that day before Magistrate Judge Lynne A. Sitarski. He has been charged with one count of distribution and attempted distribution of child pornography, a charge that carries a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison if he is convicted.
According to the criminal complaint, the investigation began in May 2024, when the social media platform Kik reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that a user had shared 50 files suspected to depict child sex abuse material (CSAM). These files reportedly featured prepubescent girls, aged between 8 and 12, in exploitative situations.
Through a search warrant, investigators reviewed Kik account contents linked to the activity and uncovered nearly 300 CSAM files and over 1,100 messages exchanged between the user and others. The complaint alleges that Penglase participated in chats and exchanged nine CSAM videos with the original target of the investigation. A warrant for Penglase’s own Kik account reportedly revealed approximately 780 CSAM files.
The case is being handled by Homeland Security Investigations, with prosecution led by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Carissimi.
Law enforcement reminds the public that criminal charges are allegations, and Penglase is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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