Girard Man Admits to Receiving Child Pornography

ERIE, Pa. – David E. Newcomer, 35, of Girard, Pennsylvania, has confessed to a sickening crime: possessing images depicting the sexual exploitation of minors. The plea, entered in federal court today, marks a significant, if disturbing, development in a case pursued by federal and state authorities.

Newcomer pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Sean J. McLaughlin. Details revealed during the hearing confirmed the defendant received computer images portraying children engaged in sexually explicit acts – a violation of federal laws designed to protect the most vulnerable among us. The specifics of how these images were obtained remain under investigation, but the damage is undeniable.

United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced the guilty plea, a somber acknowledgement of the ongoing battle against online child exploitation. While a conviction is secured, the focus now shifts to sentencing, where Newcomer faces a harsh reckoning for his actions. The maximum penalty for this offense is a staggering 20 years behind bars, alongside a hefty $250,000 fine, or both.

Judge McLaughlin has scheduled sentencing for May 30, 2013. However, the judge has already ruled Newcomer will remain detained pending that date, a clear signal of the severity with which the court views the offense. Sentencing will consider both the depravity of the crime and any prior criminal history Newcomer may have.

Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is leading the prosecution, building a case meticulously constructed through the combined efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police. This investigation is part of “Project Safe Childhood,” a nationwide initiative launched in February 2006, dedicated to dismantling networks involved in the online sexual exploitation and abuse of children. The program pools federal, state, and local resources, aiming to identify, apprehend, and prosecute predators while rescuing victims.

Those seeking more information about Project Safe Childhood, and how to report suspected child exploitation, can visit www.justice.gov/psc. This case serves as a grim reminder of the dark underbelly of the internet and the relentless work required to protect innocent children from those who would prey upon them. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the sentencing.