Harold Daleus, Jr., Child Pornography, Pennsylvania 2024

A Bethlehem man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for his role in the production of child pornography and related offenses. Harold Daleus, Jr., 49, was sentenced by United States District Judge John M. Gallagher for the charges he faced.

According to the investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, Daleus had been wiring money to the Philippines for years in exchange for live access to the sexual abuse of children. He paid Filipino child sex traffickers over $24,000 for the privilege of viewing the live transmissions of children being sexually abused at his direction. This abuse was captured on video and image, with dozens of recordings seized from Daleus' home in December 2022.

The defendant was indicted in August 2023 and subsequently pleaded guilty to production of child pornography, the use of the internet to entice a minor to engage in sexual conduct, receipt of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. Homeland Security Investigations worked closely with law enforcement in the Philippines to secure convictions abroad of the involved child sex traffickers.

“Harold Daleus paid for the ongoing sexual abuse of numerous children, providing explicit instructions for the vile acts that he wanted to watch in real time,” said U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero. “Whether they’re here at home or half a world away, we must protect our vulnerable young kids from exploitation by predators and traffickers. This sentence ensures accountability for Daleus and some measure of justice for those he victimized.”

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Allentown Resident Office, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Priya T. De Souza and Tatum Wilson. Daleus will serve 20 years in prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania has worked tirelessly to bring this predator to justice. Their dedication to protecting children and holding perpetrators accountable is commendable.

In related news, Daleus wired $24,000 to the Philippines for his illicit activities. The investigation into his crimes was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, Allentown Resident Office, in December 2022.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edpa/pr/bethlehem-man-sentenced-20-years-prison-production-child-pornography-and-related