A Connellsville, Pennsylvania resident has been accused of producing and distributing child sexual abuse material, according to a federal indictment unsealed in Pittsburgh.
James Paul Schwarz, 37, is charged with creating and distributing child sexual abuse material between October 2022 and September 2023, according to the two-count indictment.
According to the indictment, Schwarz took videos and photos of a minor victim engaged in sexual conduct and distributed those materials to others.
The law provides for a maximum sentence of not less than 15 years and up to 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey R. Bengel is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Department of Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
This 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.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Defendant: James Paul Schwarz
Criminal Charges: Creating and distributing child sexual abuse material
City and State: Connellsville, Pennsylvania
Crime Date: October 2022 to September 2023
Sentence or Outcome: Under indictment, potential sentence of not less than 15 years and up to 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both
Dollar Amounts: $250,000 (fine)
Related Federal Cases
- Anthony Cerasi, Producing Child Sexual Abuse Material, Pennsylvania 2021 · Pennsylvania
- Christopher Mota, Trafficking Child Sexual Abuse Material, Delaware 2023 · Massachusetts
- Sean Paul Conley-Refer, Receipt of Material Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors, Pennsylvania 2021 · Pennsylvania
- Sean Paul Conley-Refer, Receipt of Material Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors, Pennsylvania 2021 · Pennsylvania
- George Orbin, Child Sex Abuse Video Production, Pennsylvania 2024 · Pennsylvania
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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