Democrat Mayor Arrested On Child Sex Crime Charges

Former Gettysburg Mayor Chad-Alan Carr, a Democrat, was arrested on Friday on charges related to child sexual abuse and exploitation. The arrest followed his resignation from the position earlier in March after serving just over two months as mayor of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

Carr, 48, of Gettysburg Borough, turned himself in to Pennsylvania State Police at approximately 11 a.m. on March 13. He was charged in Straban Township with two felony counts of photograph/film/depict on computer sex act (knowingly depicting a child in a sexual act via computer or other means, often referred to in connection with child pornography) and one misdemeanor count of corruption of minors.

Authorities stated that the charges carry a combined maximum potential sentence of nearly 30 years in prison if convicted on all counts. Bail was set at $100,000, which Carr was unable to post, leading to his confinement at the Adams County Adult Correctional Complex.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 20.

The case stems from allegations involving one victim, who was a teenager at the time of the alleged incidents. According to the affidavit of probable cause and details released by Adams County District Attorney Brian Sinnett during, police received a Childline report on February 24

.

The report indicated that the victim alleged Carr had engaged in grooming behaviors, solicited photos, and participated in sexual video chats and acts via Skype.

Investigators interviewed the alleged victim, who stated he had known Carr since age 8 but that inappropriate contact began later. Carr became involved with Gettysburg High School musicals when the victim was 14. The victim described initial neutral or negative interactions, followed by increased kindness and attention during his sophomore and junior years of high school (around ages 16 and 17, from 2011 to 2013).

Carr allegedly asked for non-school email contact methods, leading to Skype communications Carr referred to as “late night talks.”

The affidavit states the two exchanged sexually explicit messages, shared photos, and engaged in mutual sexual acts on video at Carr’s direction. Authorities noted no allegations of in-person sexual contact. At the time, Carr was volunteering at the victim’s high school and served as executive director of the Gettysburg Community Theater.

Carr resigned as mayor in early March 2026, citing a “personal legal matter” unrelated to borough business. He also stepped down from his role with the community theater. He had been sworn in as mayor in January 2026 after previously serving on the Gettysburg Borough Council. The borough council is now seeking a replacement.