PHILADELPHIA, PA – A former SEPTA police officer is trading his badge for prison stripes. Brian Zenszer, 44, of Warminster, Pennsylvania, received a 144-month federal sentence today for the horrific crimes of possessing and distributing child pornography. U.S. District Judge Harvey Bartle III handed down the sentence, along with seven years of supervised release and a $32,000 restitution order.
Zenszer was indicted in December 2024 and pleaded guilty in April to one count of distributing child pornography and one count of possession. The indictment stemmed from two CyberTips – alerts sent to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) – flagging suspicious activity on the Kik messaging app. Investigators quickly traced the accounts back to Zenszer, a sworn officer of the law at the time.
Court filings reveal that on or about July 21, 2024, Zenszer knowingly distributed a visual depiction of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Less than three months later, on November 6, 2024, authorities discovered a Samsung cellular phone in his possession containing even more disturbing images – including depictions of prepubescent minors. The evidence painted a grim picture of a man abusing his position of trust to indulge in the darkest corners of the internet.
“Brian Zenszer broke the law while sworn to uphold it, and the nature of his crimes is truly abhorrent,” thundered U.S. Attorney David Metcalf. “Those who trade images of children being sexually abused perpetuate the victimization of the vulnerable, and, like Zenszer, they must be held accountable.” The sentiment was echoed by Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia, who stated that protecting the vulnerable remains a top priority for the bureau.
Bucks County District Attorney Jennifer Schorn added, “The sentencing of Brian Zenszer sends a clear message that those who engage in the abhorrent act of child pornography will be held accountable.” The collaborative effort between federal and local agencies underscores the commitment to pursuing and prosecuting those who exploit children. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a national initiative launched in 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation.
The investigation was a joint effort by the FBI and the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office, with Assistant United States Attorney Maureen McCartney leading the prosecution. This case serves as a stark reminder that predators can hide in plain sight, even within the ranks of law enforcement, and that dedicated investigators will relentlessly pursue justice for the victims. Those seeking more information on Project Safe Childhood can visit projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes|Cybercrime|Public Corruption
- Source: Official Source ↗
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