Former ‘Glee’ Star Mark Salling’s Child Porn Case Could Be Dismissed
Social media exploded on Monday, Jan. 30, upon news of Mark Salling's death. Many critics believe that he escaped the thralls of justice.
Could Charges Be Dropped?
On Tuesday, Feb. 6, TMZ learned that prosecutors have filed legal documents to ask the judge to end the case against Salling.
Salling was supposed to learn his punishment for several counts of possession of child pornography. Before the trial and his suicide, Salling compromised with prosecutors and decided to plead guilty in this case to avoid a maximum 20-year prison sentence.
In return for the prosecutors asking the judge for a lighter sentence, Sailing was ordered to register as a sex offender. As part of the punishment, the actor-singer needed to stay 100 feet away from schools, parks, public swimming pools, and playgrounds.
Police first arrested the actor-singer on Dec. 29, 2015, at his apartment. Authorities found more than 25,000 images and 600 videos of pornography involving young children from Salling's computer and thumb drive.
Possible Victim Restitution
While the authorities may close the case against Sailing, the actor-singer's estate may not have to pay out restitution.
If Sailing faced the federal judge on March 7, he would have to pay out $50,000 to each victim.
Glee Co-Stars Speak Out
Sailing became a household name after he made his debut on Fox musical drama series Glee. The actor-singer portrayed Noah "Puck" Puckerman. Throughout his time on the show, fans watched as Puck evolved from a football jock to a responsible adult.
When news broke of his death, only a few of Salling's colleagues from Glee took time to speak on his death.
Jane Lynch, who portrayed the infamous Sue Sylvester in Glee, was devastated over the loss and told TMZ that she was brokenhearted about Salling's passing.
Matthew Morrison, who portrayed the New Directions Glee Club director Will Schuester, posted a photo at the height of the Fox show's success that featured him, Salling, and the late Cory Monteith. Monteith, who was Salling's on-screen and off-screen friend, passed away on July 13, 2013.
However, actor Finneas O'Connell, who appeared on four episodes of Glee, did not mince words with his tweet.
"I met Mark Salling once when we were filming the final episode of Glee together. I didn't know him at all, and I won't pretend I did. It's been a horrifying thing these past two years finding out about the crimes he committed. I don't feel sorry for him. Only sorry for his fans," wrote O'Connell.
O'Connell has since deleted the tweet.
Salling died by asphyxia by hanging.
