Washington County school bus driver arrested for possession of child pornography

NORTH BETHLEHEM TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Police say a tip led them to 56-year-old Dennis Shrader of North Bethlehem Township, and after conducting a search warrant what they found was disturbing — hundreds of child pornography files on his computer.

Shrader was a substitute bus driver for the Bentworth School District until his arrest on Thursday.

“The authorities received a cyber tip with regard to Mr. Shrader uploading, acquiring and/or possessing child pornography,” said Washington County District Attorney Jason Walsh.

According to a criminal complaint, authorities say they initially received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited children back in 2021 about child pornography.

Then in July and August of this year, more tips came flooding in. State police say they received multiple tips from a software company called Synchronoss, saying someone was uploading child porn to its account.

Synchronoss was able to give the uploaded files to the police for an investigation. Court documents said the account contained files of toddlers and toddlers being abused. Police also found explicit photos of females between the ages of 8 and 15 years old.

“Any crime against a child is very serious and carries a grave concern,” said Walsh.

Court documents said the phone number attached to the account belonged to Shrader. After receiving a subpoena, authorities conducted a search of his house.

When police went to search Shrader’s home, they found hundreds of child pornography files containing images of child abuse, as well as videos and pictures of a nude and partially dressed girl that Shrader admitted to taking. They say Shrader told them he was the only person who used the laptop.

“Pennsylvania State Police did a fantastic job on this. They are the ones who do all the legwork,” said Walsh.

Authorities say this was particularly concerning due to his occupation.

“We knew he was employed as a bus driver when we were going to get the warrants,” Walsh said.

The Bentworth School District responded, saying that all parents have been notified and Shrader is no longer associated with the district.

“Depending on what is found on the additional devices, more charges could be filed,” Walsh said.

Shrader is currently being held at the Washington County Jail and is expected to have a preliminary hearing on Oct. 5.

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