I’ve been avoiding posting updates on the ugly Mark Salling child p*rn scandal, because, well, ugh. But there were a few big developments this week, so here’s the latest.
The actor, who played Puck in the FOX musical comedy Glee was arrested for possession of child p*rn late last year. One week ago, he was was indicted on charges by a grand jury, and was later seen leaving a bank with a $100,000 check payable to the Clerk of the U.S. District Court. Apparently, the check was to help pay his bail.
Today, Salling surrendered to federal authorities where he was arraigned on two charges of receiving and possessing child p*rnography. The actor pled not guilty and was released after posting a $150,000 bail. He was ordered to to stay at least 100 feet away from schools, parks, arcades and other places where children congregate.
Other restrictions: Salling can’t be alone with minors or use drugs including medical marijuana. He has to wear a GPS monitoring device and surrender his passport.
The initial arrest was made after law enforcement searched his Sunland, California, home, and found thousands of photos on his laptop, a hard drive and a USB flash drive. Law enforcement sources told TMZ at the time that there were images of children significantly younger than 15 and 16 years old.
The actor was cut from his role in the upcoming film Gods and Secrets following his indictment. Director Adi Shankar, said in a statement that Salling’s scenes will be edited out of the film and his scenes reshot with a different actor. “I will personally be paying for the reshoots, and I hope that Mark finds inner peace,” he said. “Furthermore, a percentage of profits from the project will go to a charity for abused children.”
Salling could face a minimum of five years and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for receiving child p*rnography, plus a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for possessing underage p*rnography.
Via TMZ, US Magazine
