Michael Hochman, a seasoned journalist with contributions to various media outlets, has been charged with the receipt of child pornography, according to the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
Hochman, who currently writes for Visit Philly, is known for his recent articles covering local culture and tourism, including pieces such as ‘Cheesesteaks in Philly: Your 2025 Guide’ and ‘The Essential Rocky & Creed Tour of Philadelphia.’ His previous experience includes serving as a program director for television stations in both Kansas and Philadelphia.
Details surrounding the current charges are limited, but prosecutors allege that Hochman knowingly received images depicting a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Investigators are actively seizing electronic devices related to the case.
What adds a disturbing layer to this latest legal battle is Hochman’s history of offenses against children. In 2001, while he was the program director for a television station in Wichita, Kansas, he faced serious criminal charges. Hochman was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including aggravated indecent liberties with a child and sexual exploitation of a minor. Reports from that time allege that he had sexual relations with a 14-year-old girl and possessed pornographic images of children.
As a consequence of those earlier charges, Hochman has been registered in Pennsylvania’s Megan Law database since 2005, indicating that he was convicted of at least one count of aggravated indecent liberties with a child.
Responses to his current arrest have revealed a sense of shock and anger among those who have worked with him. A Philadelphia woman who previously collaborated with Hochman described him as ‘a liar and sick’ upon learning of his past and present indiscretions.
Hochman has not provided any comment following the recent charges.
In other news, a stolen mandolin has been recovered, much to the delight of Heart fans.
Philadelphia also introduced a new Lactation Spaces Finder App, developed by the Office of Innovation and Technology, aimed at helping parents locate public lactation spaces throughout the city.
Local businesses are voicing their frustrations over PennDot’s plans to implement bike lanes in Northeast Philadelphia, with some establishments taking legal action to stop the project, expressing anger on a scale of zero to ten.
Moreover, a concerning situation has arisen surrounding a haunted attraction, where former and current volunteer workers spoke to Spotlight PA about alleged sexual harassment and exploitation of young volunteers.
Finally, police recently arrested a man carrying an illegal firearm at the No Kings rally in West Chester, discovering pipe bombs and other potentially dangerous items in his possession. The suspect’s intentions remain unclear, raising further public safety concerns.
image source from：https://www.phillymag.com/news/2025/06/17/michael-hochman-philadelphia-journalist/
