Warning: This article contains disturbing content.
Glee star Mark Salling has pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor, TMZ reports.
The 35-year-old struck a plea deal on Wednesday whereby he’ll be sentenced to four to seven years in prison, pending sentencing from the judge. Prior to the plea deal, he was facing a maximum of 20 years.
Court documents obtained by gossip website The Blast reveal that he must register as a sex offender and have no contact with persons under the age of 18.
He will also be required to stay 100 feet (about 30m) away from schoolyards, parks, public swimming pools, playgrounds and video arcade facilities at all times.
Police officials found more than 50,000 “sexually charged” images and videos of child pornography on Salling’s computers and hard drives after being tipped off by his ex-girlfriends who had seen the footage, reports The Sun.
He was first arrested on December 29, 2015, but was later released on $20,000 bail.
He also must pay $50,000 (about AU $63,500) to each victim.
“It doesn’t matter who you are or what you do, if you hurt children you will be held accountable,” said Lieutenant Andrea Grossman of the LAPD internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
“These images are more than photographs, they are child abuse.”
If you or someone you know needs help, you can speak confidentially to a trained counsellor 24 hours a day at headspace.org.au or Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800.
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