Erie Man Admits to Possessing Pornographic Images of Children
ERIE, Pa. – In a disturbing case of child exploitation, a local resident has pleaded guilty to charges of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children. United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced the plea in a statement today.
Bruce Johnson, 61, pleaded guilty to one count of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children before United States District Judge David S. Cercone. The court was advised that Johnson possessed computer images and movies depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court continued Johnson on bond. Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Johnson. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.
Johnson is scheduled to be sentenced on November 21, 2016, at 3:00 p.m. The case serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of child exploitation and the importance of continued efforts to bring perpetrators to justice.
Mandatory Facts: Defendant: Bruce Johnson, 61; Exact Criminal Charges: Violating Federal Laws Relating to the Sexual Exploitation of Children; City and State: Erie, Pennsylvania; Exact Date: November 21, 2016; Sentence or Outcome: Scheduled Sentencing; Dollar Amounts: $250,000 fine, 20 years in prison.
Related Federal Cases
- Mark Beres, Receiving and Possessing Child Pornography, Pennsylvania 2023 · Pennsylvania
- James Robert Reynolds, Child Pornography Possession, Pennsylvania 2011 · Pennsylvania
- Peter Nollen Hergenrother, Receiving Child Pornography, Pennsylvania 2006 · Minnesota
- Christopher G. Lee, Child Pornography Production, Pennsylvania 2016 · Florida
- Earl Greg Walker, Receiving and Possessing Child Pornography, Pennsylvania 2016 · Pennsylvania
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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