Former Journalist Faces Unlawful Contact Accusations

Christopher Morelli Indicted on Child Sex Charges

Former Journalist Faces Unlawful Contact Accusations

Christopher Morelli, 54, of Spring Township, Centre County, was arrested Wednesday morning following an investigation by the FBI.

Morelli was charged Friday by Spring Township police with one felony count each of unlawful contact with a minor and corruption of minors. The charges stem from an investigation into allegations that Morelli had inappropriate contact with a juvenile female.

According to investigators, the alleged incidents occurred over a period of several months. Morelli is accused of sending sexually explicit text messages and emails to the victim, as well as engaging in physical contact with her.

Morelli is a former journalist who worked for the Centre Daily Times. He was fired from the newspaper in December 2022 after the allegations came to light.

Morelli is currently being held at the Centre County Correctional Facility on $100,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for January 2023.