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LISBON -- A change of plea hearing was set for 11:15 a.m. April 12 in the alleged child pornography case against Joseph Frye, 35, Jennings Avenue, East Liverpool.
Frye appeared Thursday afternoon before Columbiana County Common Pleas Court Judge Scott Washam, accompanied by his defense attorney, James Wise. The state was represented by county Assistant Prosecutor Steve Yacovone.
Washam indicated there was a negotiated resolution to the case, setting the date for the possible plea next week and setting sentencing for 10:30 a.m. June 13. He met with both attorneys prior to the hearing.
Frye was served in February with a secret indictment for five counts of illegal use of a minor or impaired person in nudity-oriented or performance, a second-degree felony, and 35 counts of pandering obscenity involving a minor or impaired person, a fourth-degree felony.
According to the indictment, Frye allegedly photographed a child or minor in a state of nudity from May 1, 2023 through July 20, 2023. The other charge involved alleged possession of child pornography on July 20, 2023.