Cody A. Neely, Child Sex Exploitation, Pennsylvania 2024

Erie Man Pleads Guilty to Child Sex Exploitation Charge: Cody A. Neely, 33, Pleads to Violating Federal Laws Relating to Child Sex Exploitation

In a disturbing case, 33-year-old Cody A. Neely of Erie, Pennsylvania, has pleaded guilty to violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children. According to court documents, 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 a staggering thousands of items of child sexual abuse material. The investigation was led by Homeland Security Investigations, which conducted a thorough review of Neely’s digital activities.

The 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. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), 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.

Neely will be sentenced on December 7, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced the guilty plea, emphasizing the importance of tackling the issue of child sex exploitation. ‘This case is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of child sex exploitation on our communities,’ Kaufman said. ‘We will continue to work tirelessly to bring perpetrators to justice and protect our children from harm.’

Neely’s guilty plea serves as a warning to others who engage in similar activities. The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the authorities. If you or someone you know is a victim of child sex exploitation, there are resources available to help. You can contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org for more information.

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