Thomas Becker
A Denver man will stand trial on charges that he sexually abused three preteen girls, a district judge ordered Thursday.
Also Thursday, prosecutors filed 51 new felony counts against Thomas Earl Becker for a collection of child pornography that they say was found at his house.
Becker, through his attorney, Dennis Dougherty, waived a preliminary hearing and will stand trial on 63 counts.
Becker, 53, had worked at home while living in Denver for the past 20 years, according to officials. From 2008 to 2010, police allege, Becker abused the girls there, raping at least one of them.
The three girls and several of their supporters were present at District Judge Nancy Hamill's office and were prepared for a hearing. Assistant District Attorney Daniel Dye and two detectives also were present.
By waiving the hearing, Becker isn't admitting guilt, but he concedes there is sufficient evidence to support the charges.
Hamill also ordered Becker to remain at Lancaster County Prison in lieu of $125,000 bail.
Becker has admitted to some of the conduct but claims it was "not intentional," according to a police affidavit.
The new charges relate to 81 photos and videos found at Becker's home in the 500 block of Fifth Avenue. The photos depict children in sex acts, including acts of rape and other abuse, investigators said.
Police first heard of the sex-abuse allegations when contacted by Lancaster County Children and Youth Services in February, the affidavit shows. Becker was interviewed earlier this month and gave a written statement to police.
Becker admitted to having the girls touch him and that he touched the girls, investigators said. He told police that some of the conduct, including the rape, was "not intentional" and happened "by accident," East Cocalico police Detective Kerry Sweigart wrote in the affidavit.
Sweigart filed charges of rape of a child, aggravated indecent assault of a child (two counts), unlawful contact with a minor (three counts), indecent assault of a child (three counts) and corruption of minors (three counts).
All told, 51 counts of sexual abuse of children were filed Thursday. If convicted on all charges, Becker would face maximum prison penalties that would span his life.
