A former Frederick police corporal who once patrolled local streets is now staring down prison time after pleading guilty in Gettysburg to felony charges tied to child sexual abuse material.
James Dodson Jr., 39, of Emmitsburg, admitted in court to criminal solicitation to distribute child pornography and possession of child pornography. Under a plea deal, he faces a recommended range of 1½ to five years, with sentencing set for Aug. 20 in Adams County Court.
According to The Baltimore Banner, Dodson entered his plea in the Adams County Court of Common Pleas and is allowed under the agreement to argue for a lighter term at his August hearing. The Banner reported that his lawyer declined to comment and that a department spokesperson said Dodson resigned effective Aug. 15, 2025.
Investigation and earlier charges
City officials say the criminal investigation began in August 2024 after another Frederick officer spotted concerning messages and referred the matter to the Pennsylvania State Police.
Court documents cited by WBALTV allege that Dodson used Snapchat to solicit explicit images from an 11‑year‑old and admitted to viewing child sexual abuse material. Investigators executed search warrants and seized both personal and department-issued devices.
Arrest, evidence and custody
State troopers say they intercepted Dodson at a Walmart in Franklin County while carrying out those warrants and seized multiple electronic devices. According to court records, investigators obtained a confession during an interrogation after the stop.
The Baltimore Banner reports that Dodson is being held at the Adams County Adult Correctional Complex while he awaits sentencing. The facility is listed at 45 Major Bell Lane in Gettysburg.
What happens next
Dodson is scheduled to return to Adams County Court on Aug. 20 for sentencing under the framework of the plea agreement. Prosecutors and defense attorneys will both get their say before the judge decides how much of that 1½ to five-year range he will actually serve.
Reporting by The Frederick News‑Post (via Yahoo) notes that questions about Dodson’s resignation and his eligibility for city pension and benefits have been raised as administrative reviews wrapped up. The Frederick Police Department has said it will issue updates as allowed while the criminal case moves forward.
Legal details
The charges Dodson pleaded to, criminal solicitation to distribute child pornography and possession of child pornography, are felonies under Pennsylvania law, and the plea agreement sets a recommended range of 1½ to 5 years. Prosecutors and the defense will present arguments at sentencing, and the criminal case remains separate from the department’s administrative review that Montgomery County Police conducted at the request of the City of Frederick.
