Jeannette Man Accused of Horrific Crimes Against Children

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Timothy Kelly, 38, of Jeannette, Westmoreland County, is facing federal charges after being indicted by a grand jury in Pittsburgh for possessing sickening material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor. The indictment, announced today by United States Attorney David J. Hickton, details a disturbing case of online depravity.

Kelly is charged with one count of possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor. According to court documents, on or about February 11, 2013, Kelly knowingly possessed videos and images stored as computer graphics files that depicted minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The specifics of how this material came to be in Kelly’s possession are currently under investigation.

If convicted, Kelly faces a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. However, the actual sentence will be determined by the seriousness of the offense and any prior criminal history the defendant may have. Federal Sentencing Guidelines will be carefully considered during the sentencing phase.

The investigation into Kelly’s activities was a joint effort between the Greensburg Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Lieber Smolar is leading the prosecution of this case on behalf of the government, ensuring that justice is pursued to the fullest extent of the law. This case underscores the critical importance of collaborative law enforcement efforts in combating these heinous crimes.

This indictment is a direct result of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice. The program aims to aggressively combat the escalating epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse by marshaling federal, state, and local resources. The initiative focuses on identifying, rescuing, and prosecuting perpetrators, as well as providing support to victims.

It is crucial to remember that an indictment is merely an accusation, and Kelly is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. However, the charges are deeply disturbing and reflect the ongoing threat posed by those who prey on vulnerable children. Further information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.justice.gov/psc.