ERIE, Pa. – A heinous crime has shaken the quiet streets of Fairview, Pennsylvania. Ian Matthew Ahenger, a 43-year-old resident of this seemingly idyllic town, has pleaded guilty to violating federal laws related to the sexual exploitation of children.
As part of a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, Ahenger was charged with possessing computer images depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a collaborative effort between federal, state, and local authorities to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children.
According to court documents, Ahenger pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone. The court was advised that the defendant possessed computer images portraying minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Ahenger.
Pending sentencing, the court continued Ahenger on bond. Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for June 5, 2017, at 11:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both.
The harsh penalty is a stark reminder of the severity of this crime. Ahenger’s actions have caused irreparable harm to the victims, and his guilty plea is a step towards justice being served. As a society, we must remain vigilant in our pursuit of protecting our children from exploitation and abuse.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Related Federal Cases
- Ian Matthew Ahenger, Possession of Child Pornography, PA 2024 · Pennsylvania
- Ian Matthew Ahenger, Child Porn Possession, PA 2023 · Pennsylvania
- Jeremiah Romo, Possession of Child Pornography, IA, 2013 · Pennsylvania
- James Robert Reynolds, Child Pornography Possession, Johnstown PA, … · Pennsylvania
- Jeffrey Curtis Drexler Charged with Child Pornography Possession, Y… · Iowa
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Sex CrimesSex CrimesSex CrimesSex Crimes