Bridgeville Man, 24, Indicted for Child Sex Exploitation

Bridgeville, PA – In a shocking case of child exploitation, a 24-year-old Bridgeville resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of producing and distributing material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor.

Matthew Trax, 24, of Bridgeville, Pennsylvania, has been named as the sole defendant in the 11-count indictment.

According to the indictment, Trax used, enticed, and persuaded a 14-year-old female to engage in sexually explicit conduct to create videos and images involving the minor between November 2023 and December 2023.

In addition to producing this sexually explicit content, Trax also distributed sexually explicit material involving the same minor female.

The law provides for a sentence of not less than 15 years and up to 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Trax has been detained on state charges and remains detained pending trial. Assistant United States Attorney Nicole A. Stockey is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Mt. Lebanon Police Department, leading to the indictment.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.