EDITOR'S NOTE: This article contains graphic content.
EASTON, Pa. — A Palmer Township police officer charged with sending a pornographic image of himself to a high school student has pleaded guilty to one count of corruption of minors.
John "J.T." Smoke, 45, of Upper Mount Bethel Township, was a resource officer at Easton Area High School when he sent the 16-year-old girl money via CashApp and disseminated a sexually explicit image of himself, according to the Northampton County District Attorney’s Office.
District Attorney Stephen Baratta announced the guilty plea Friday.
Northampton County Judge Jennifer Sletvold presided over the guilty plea hearing.
A 20-year veteran of the Palmer Township Police Department, Smoke faces up to five years in prison. He has been free on unsecured bail since his arraignment in April 2024.
Sentencing in Northampton County Court is set for July 16.
Smoke allegedly FaceTimed the girl from his school office while she was home sick last October and had his penis in his hand, according to an affidavit of probable cause.
The victim screen-recorded the call, police said.
John Waldron, Smoke’s defense attorney, said given Smoke has no prior criminal record and the charge is not subject to Megan’s Law, he will recommend a probationary sentence.
Minimum sentencing guidelines with no prior record range from probation to three months, he said.
“He accepts responsibility for his actions, which he did yesterday (in court),” Waldron said. “He will never work in law enforcement again, which is quite enough punishment in our eyes. His father was in law enforcement. He got into law enforcement. He is done in law enforcement. That’s severe.”
Baratta previously said prompt action was taken by school officials and law enforcement when they were advised of the incident in March 2024.
Smoke was removed from the school and Palmer Township police seized his duty pistol, badge and work computer, authorities said. He voluntarily turned over his personal cell phone, according to court records.
Palmer Township Police Chief Wayne Smith said after Smoke’s arrest that he was suspended from the force with the intent to terminate.
Waldron said Smoke's job status remains suspended without pay, likely pending termination upon final disposition of the case.
Smoke was assigned to Easton Area High as a resource officer in 2022.
