What to Know
- Attorney Patrick Francis Lomax was arrested Monday on child pornography and related charges.
- Lomax faces a total of 48 counts for his alleged use of hidden cameras to record sexual acts.
- The victims had no idea they were being recorded, investigators say.
A criminal defense attorney in the Philadelphia suburbs is accused of child pornography for videos he allegedly recorded using hidden cameras planted in a bedroom.
Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer announced charges against Patrick Francis Lomax Monday. Stollsteimer called Lomax a "prominent local attorney."
Lomax is accused of making and possessing hidden camera videos of child pornography, Stollsteimer said while calling the allegations "disturbing."
Lomax faces 48 total counts – including multiple charges of photographing, videotaping, depicting on computer sexual acts of a child under 18; criminal use of communication facility; produce/present/direct obscene performance by a minor; and invasion of privacy.
A victim, who is not a minor, came to Media police last month with two small cameras he had found in a bedroom in a Media, Pennsylvania, home where Lomax lived. A third camera was found in Lomax's bedroom.
Two video cards were recovered, Stollsteimer said. Investigators say Lomax can be seen on video setting up the cameras.
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The incidents showed sexual encounters dating back to 2015 and were recorded without the knowledge of the people involved, Stollsteimer said. In total, the videos showed nine victims, at least three of whom were minors at the time the videos were recorded.
"Their privacy was invaded," Stollsteimer said.
Lomax isn't accused of setting up any of the sexual encounters, but is suspected of recording the incidents. Investigators alerted victims about the videos.
During a search of his home last month, Lomax admitted to placing the cameras, but denied knowing what was recorded, according to a criminal complaint.
The 41-year-old criminal defense attorney surrendered on the charges Monday morning, the DA’s office said.
"He held himself out as standing up for justice, all the while engaging in the appalling conduct alleged in the complaint,” Stollsteimer said.
Online court records say that Lomax was being held on $150,000 bail. No attorney who could comment on Lomax’s behalf is listed on the court records.
