Avonmore Man Indicted on Child Sex Exploitation Charges

A 53-year-old Avonmore man is behind bars, accused of producing and possessing images depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, thanks to a federal indictment unsealed in Johnstown today.

Johnstown, Pa. – The four-count indictment, returned on May 14 and unsealed today, named Kenneth Bee, 53, as the sole defendant in the case.

According to the indictment, Bee produced images of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct over a several year period. In and around September 2022, Bee also possessed images of prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

The charges against Bee carry a hefty penalty: a sentence of not less than 15 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 Bee’s prior criminal history, if any.

Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. Homeland Security Investigations, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Armstrong County District Attorney’s Office, and the Indiana County District Attorney’s Office all contributed to the investigation leading to the indictment.

The 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, and Bee is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty. We will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.