Jesse Porter, Child Pornography, Pennsylvania 2019

Jesse Porter's Child Pornography Ring Brought to Light

ERIE, Pa. - In a shocking revelation, Jesse Porter, a 42-year-old resident of Ridgway, Pennsylvania, has pleaded guilty to producing child pornography. The heinous crime was committed in Erie, and Porter is currently facing a maximum sentence of 60 years in prison.

The charges against Porter stem from his production of explicit photos and videos featuring two minor victims. One of the victims was just three years old when Porter recorded himself sexually abusing her, while the other victim was 15 years old when Porter took surreptitious video of her.

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the federal government to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. The program brings together federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.

Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The investigation was conducted by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Ridgway Police, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Judge Susan Paradise Baxter has scheduled sentencing for November 6, 2019. At that time, Porter will face a maximum sentence of 60 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. The actual sentence imposed will be based on the seriousness of the offenses and Porter's prior criminal history, if any.

In the meantime, Porter will continue to be held on bond pending sentencing.

Mandatory Facts: Jesse Porter, 42, of Ridgway, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to producing child pornography. The charges against Porter include violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children. The investigation was conducted by multiple law enforcement agencies, and Porter is scheduled to be sentenced on November 6, 2019. He faces a maximum sentence of 60 years in prison and a fine of $500,000.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/pr/ridgway-resident-pleads-guilty-producing-child-pornography