David Saban, Child Exploitation Distribution, PA 2020

A Pittsburgh man has pleaded guilty to charges of child sexual exploitation. David Saban, age 46, pleaded guilty to one count of Distribution and Receipt and Attempted Distribution and Receipt of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of Minor.

According to the court, on August 16, 2020, Saban knowingly distributed and attempted to distribute visual depictions, namely, videos in computer graphic and digital files, the production of which involved the use of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

Saban pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon. Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for March 14, 2022 at 2:15 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than five (5) years and not more than twenty (20) years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both.

Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Saban.

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. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.

The guilty plea is a significant step in the fight against child sexual exploitation. Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced the guilty plea, highlighting the importance of holding individuals accountable for such heinous crimes. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

The investigation and prosecution of Saban demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement agencies to protecting children from sexual exploitation. The guilty plea serves as a reminder that those who engage in such activities will be held accountable and brought to justice.