David Jonathan Weston, Attempted Solicitation of Child Pornography, Pennsylvania 2021

A 42-year-old camp counselor has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for attempting to solicit child pornography from a 15-year-old girl, according to federal officials.

David Jonathan Weston, who had worked as a counselor at Camp Tohiglo in Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count of Attempted Solicitation of Child Pornography in March 2021.

Between July 2020 and September 2020, Weston exchanged nearly 1,000 messages with the minor via Snapchat, Facebook Messenger, and Instagram, according to prosecutors. The messages included requests for the girl to send him inappropriate pictures and videos.

The FBI investigated the case with assistance from the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly D. Crockett prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided over the case and handed down the 14-year sentence, which is equivalent to 168 months of incarceration.

Weston’s sentence serves as a reminder of the severe consequences for those who seek to exploit and harm children online. As investigators and prosecutors work tirelessly to bring these individuals to justice, we must also prioritize educating parents, children, and communities about the risks of online exploitation.

Westminster resident David Jonathan Weston is now behind bars, where he will serve his 14-year sentence for his heinous crimes. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.

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