Pittsburgh, PA – A former Beaver County resident, Brent Cotman, has been charged with distributing and possessing images depicting the sexual exploitation of minors.
A federal grand jury in Pittsburgh indicted Cotman on 18 counts of distribution and possession of images depicting the sexual exploitation of minors. The indictment alleges that Cotman distributed images to 17 individuals on separate occasions between January 2017 and November 2017.
Additionally, the indictment charges Cotman with unlawfully possessing still images depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct on February 1, 2018.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 5 years or more than 20 years in prison, a fine of $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.
Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn Bloch is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, and the Beaver County District Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
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.
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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