Pennsylvania State Police have filed an additional criminal charge against the Milford Township man at the center of an ongoing investigation into a series of explosions in Upper Bucks County, accusing him in a new case of possessing pornographic images of children.

David W. Surman Jr., 30, of the 2400 block of North Old Bethlehem Pike surrendered himself to authorities this afternoon and was arraigned by video on one count of possessing child pornography.  Magisterial District Judge Regina Armitage set Surman’s bail at 10 percent of $500,000.

According to an affidavit of probable cause, investigators searching Surman’s home June 28 discovered a number of illicit images on a hard drive found in his bedroom. A forensic examination of the hard drive revealed dozens of pornographic images and videos featuring children, including an image of a young girl engaged in a sexual act with an animal.

Authorities descended on his home and business as part of an investigation into dozens of explosions in Upper Bucks County reported in the spring and early summer. Police also discovered four bombs, as well as suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

District Attorney Matthew D. Weintraub in June said the search also located a host of chemicals used in the assembly of bombs, along with 10 firearms.

Forensic evidence has since linked several of the blast sites to Surman.

The multi-agency investigation into Surman’s activities was led by the Pennsylvania State Police, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, as well as other local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.

Any residents who believe they may have found an unexploded bomb are asked to call 911. Anyone who believes they have information that could help investigators is urged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALLFBI and select Option 4 on the menu.

Criminal charges are allegations subject to proof in court. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. 

Contact: Antonetta Stancu, 215.348.6340, astancu@buckscounty.org; Sarah Heimbach, 215.348.6366, skheimbach@buckscounty.orgt