A Lancaster man has been convicted in absentia on child pornography charges even after he removed an ankle monitor and stopped appearing in court, according to federal prosecutors.
According to the office of U.S. Attorney Bilal A. Essayli, Lancaster resident Gregory Cole Jr., 30, was found guilty in federal court Thursday of one count of production of child pornography, one count of enticement of a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity and one count of receipt of child pornography.
Between March and April of 2024, Cole messaged a 16-year-old girl on Instagram, directing her to send him sexually explicit photos.
According to prosecutors, a search of his phone led to the discovery that Cole sent the victim pornography of adult women in poses that he wanted her to copy. She did, then sent the images to him.
The victim’s mother later discovered the activity on her phone. Cole then deleted his Instagram account.
At some point during the three-day trial, Cole removed his location-monitoring unit from his ankle and stopped appearing in court.
He remains a fugitive, prosecutors believe. United States District Judge Percy Anderson has since issued a bench warrant and revoked his bond.
Cole faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison. He could potentially face a life sentence.