Cody A. Neely, Child Sexual Exploitation, Pennsylvania 2019

Erie Man Pleads to Child Sexual Exploitation Charge

ERIE, Pa. – In a disturbing case of child sexual exploitation, Cody A. Neely, a 33-year-old resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has pleaded guilty to violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children.

According to the court, Neely received computer images and movies depicting prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct from May 2019 to October 2019. A forensic examination of Neely’s digital devices revealed thousands of items of child sexual abuse material.

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. As part of the initiative, federal, state, and local resources are marshaled to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.

Neely pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines. 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.

Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Neely.

The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Judge Haines scheduled sentencing for December 7, 2021 at 11:00 a.m.

Cody A. Neely, 33, Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children.

Defendant’s Details:

Defendant: Cody A. Neely
Criminal Charge: Violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children
City and State: Erie, Pennsylvania
Exact Date: May 2019 – October 2019
Sentence or Outcome: Guilty Plea, Sentencing scheduled for December 7, 2021
Dollar Amounts: Fine of up to $250,000

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