David Saban, Distribution and Receipt of Child Exploitation Materia…

A devastating case of child exploitation has come to a head in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as 46-year-old David Saban pleaded guilty to a charge of Distribution and Receipt and Attempted Distribution and Receipt of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of Minor.

According to Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman, Saban pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon. The guilty plea is a significant step towards justice for the victims of Saban’s heinous crimes.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that 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. This shocking revelation highlights the darker side of human nature and the need for continued vigilance in the fight against child exploitation.

Judge Bissoon has 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. 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 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.

Project Safe Childhood is a crucial program that marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. The success of this program relies on the tireless efforts of law enforcement agencies and the dedication of prosecutors like Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan.

The guilty plea of David Saban serves as a reminder that the fight against child exploitation is ongoing and requires the collective efforts of law enforcement, the justice system, and the community at large. As we move forward, it is essential that we continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of our children and work towards creating a society that is free from the scourge of child exploitation.

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