Former Corrections Officer Arrested During Child Sex Abuse Investigation

Logan Township Police are reporting that a local corrections officer identified as 29-year-old Ricardo Cruz Jr. of Hollidaysburg, has been arrested after an investigation into allegations of child sex abuse reportedly led to the discovery of child pornography images on his phone.  Reportedly, Cruz was not the initial subject of the investigation, but is now behind bars after he was allegedly found to be in possession of what has been described as explicit child sexual material.  A female juvenile came forward earlier with allegations of having been repeatedly sexually abused by a male family member.   Reportedly the assaults occurred both in Blair County and in the state of California, where she and her family, as well as Cruz, previously lived.  As the investigation continued, police say the victim also accused Cruz of sexually abusing her while still living in California.  Cruz had been employed as a corrections officer at the Blair County Prison, but most recently employed at the Bedford County lockup.  Cruz is facing felonies related to child sex abuse material, and is currently in the Blair County Prison where bail has been denied.  His preliminary hearing has been set for April 7^th.   An investigation is continuing.