A Carbon County man admitted in the county court on Tuesday to possessing child pornography.

James G. Kessell, 61, of 527 Sixth St., Weatherly, pleaded to one count each of disseminating child pornography and criminal use of a communication device and three counts of possessing child pornography.The Attorney General office filed the charges following an investigation by the Office of Attorney General's Child Predator Section.During an investigation into the online sexual abuse of children, agents discovered suspected child pornography distributed through a file sharing service.The investigation led agents from the AG office and the Weatherly Police Department to execute a search warrant at Kessell's residence.A preliminary review of Kessell's computer and external hard drive revealed images indicative of child pornography.Kessell was charged with 12 counts of possession of child pornography and one count each of distribution of child pornography and criminal use of a communication facility.Kessell admitted that investigators found at least 2 videos containing child pornography.Matika said because the charges fall under the provisions of Megan's Law Kessell must undergo an evaluation by the state sexual offenders assessment board to determine if he is a sexually violent predator. If he is found to be one he will have to register for life as a sexual offender. If not, the registration period is for 25 years.The plea agreement also calls for a county prison term be imposed, but Matika noted that the sentencing guidelines call for prison terms beginning at 12 and 16 months minimum on the five charges, which would mean a state sentence. Matika told Kessell his attorneys can argue at the sentencing proceeding for a mitigated term, which would keep him in the county.Matika said the final decision on the sentence is up to the court. He also said he could run the terms on the five charges concurrent to each other or consecutive or a combination of both.Matika also ordered the adult probation office to prepare a presentence investigation report.