Matthews Pleads Guilty To Child Porn Charges

— A former Springdale youth coach pleaded guilty Monday to possessing child pornography.

Joshua Zachary Matthews, 33, pleaded guilty to 40 counts of distributing, possessing or viewing matter depicting sexually explicit conduct involving a child. He could receive a prison sentence ranging from three to 10 years on each count.

Matthews was arrested Dec. 29, 2008.

The case was referred to Lowell police by a Springdale detective who located a computer used in the online distribution of known or suspected child pornography, according to court documents. Police were able to trace the computer to Matthews. Police seized a computer, DVDs and other materials from Matthews.

Matthews told police he had received and viewed child pornography since 1999 and he was glad he got caught, according to court documents.

Circuit Judge David Clinger ordered a pre-sentencing report be prepared and set sentencing for 8:30 a.m. March 24.

Matthews is free on $10,000 bond.

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