Cybertips lead to child porn arrests
Note: This story has been edited to reflect the correct place of Gregorakis’ arraignment and his custody status.
By Kathie O. Warco
Staff writer
kwarco@observer-reporter.com
Two Washington County men recently have been arrested by investigators for the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General’s Child Predator Unit on child pornography charges.
Dino Guy Paul, 55, of 615 W. Main St., Monongahela, was arrested Thursday, while John William Gregorakis, 27, of 152 Pearl Drive, North Strabane Township, was arrested last week.
Paul allegedly disseminated child pornography between June 29 and July 1. Investigators said in court documents he possessed at least seven images of child pornography.
Gregorakis was charged after a cybertip generated through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in November, identifying an interaction between a juvenile and adult that included discussion of a meeting for the purpose of engaging in sex acts and exchanging sexually explicit photographs. The investigation led agents to Gregorakis, who is a registered sex offender on probation, according to information released by the attorney general’s office.
Investigators got search warrants for Gregorakis’ cellphone. Authorities said forensic examination showed evidence of suspected child pornography, as well as explicit text messages in which Gregorakis allegedly tried to arrange a sexual encounter with a juvenile.
Paul was arraigned before District Judge Gary Havelka on charges of distribution of child pornography, possession of child pornography and criminal use of a communications facility. He was placed in Washington County jail on $50,000 bond. He will have a preliminary hearing Aug. 20 before District Judge Mark Wilson.
Gregorakis was arraigned before Havelka on charges of possession of child pornography, criminal solicitation of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, unlawful contact with a minor, corruption of minors and criminal use of a communications facility. He is being held in Allegheny County Jail and is scheduled for an Aug. 24 preliminary hearing at Dutton’s office.