NORRISTOWN — A West Norriton Township man was convicted of charges he possessed 41,663 photos and 9,571 videos depicting child pornography and he awaits his fate from the judge who convicted him.
Edward Joseph Zealor, 73, of the 1500 block of West Marshall Street, was convicted during a nonjury trial in Montgomery County Court of 50 felony counts of possessing child pornography in connection with incidents that occurred between November 2023 and February 2024.
Judge Risa Vetri Ferman convicted Zealor of the charges after Zealor stipulated to certain facts contained in an affidavit of probable cause filed by Pennsylvania State Police.
Ferman deferred sentencing so that court officials can complete a background investigation report about Zealor, who will undergo a psychosexual evaluation as part of that investigation.
Zealor also will be evaluated by the Pennsylvania Sexual Offenders Assessment Board which will determine if he meets criteria to be classified as a sexually violent predator. Those classified as predators face more stringent restrictions while on parole or probation.
Zealor was permitted to remain free on bail pending his sentencing hearing.
According to court documents and facts stipulated to by Zealor during the trial, in the fall of 2023 state police working with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received information that an internet address linked to Zealor was sharing child pornography.
On Nov. 11, 2023, state police successfully downloaded numerous files from a computer linked to Zealor, according to the criminal complaint filed by state police Corporal Anthony Reppert.
The downloaded material included a video depicting a child as young as 2-years-old being sexually assaulted by an adult male, according to court papers.
State police obtained a warrant to search Zealor’s West Norriton residence and went there on Feb. 2, 2024. Investigators found a computer next to Zealor’s bed that was actively downloading child pornography, according to court documents.
Sixteen electronics devices were seized from Zealor’s residence and were forensically analyzed by police. A total of 41,663 photos and 9,751 videos were found, all depicting child pornography, police said.
Some of the photos and videos contained children under the age of 10 engaging in sexual acts with adults, according to court documents.
Charges of criminal use of a communication facility are slated to be dismissed against Zealor at time of sentencing.
Assistant District Attorney Gabriella Eileen Glenning handled the case. Defense lawyer John H. Pavloff represented Zealor during the trial.
