Waterford Man Guilty of Child Pornography Charges

ERIE, Pa. – In a disturbing case of child exploitation, John Douglas Root, Jr., 28, of Waterford, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to violating federal laws related to the sexual exploitation of children.

According to court records, Root engaged in a Kik chat group focused on child exploitation, where he received and distributed digital images depicting prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

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. 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.

Root pleaded guilty to one count of violating federal laws related to the sexual exploitation of children before United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter. The court scheduled sentencing for August 19, 2021, at 1:30 p.m. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, Root faces a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Root on bond. Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Root.

Root’s guilty plea serves as a stark reminder of the severity of child exploitation and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their crimes. As our communities continue to grapple with the complexities of child exploitation, it is crucial that we prioritize the safety and well-being of our children.

For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Mandatory Facts: Defendant: John Douglas Root, Jr. | Crime: Receiving and Distributing Child Pornography | City and State: Waterford, PA | Date: August 19, 2021 | Sentence: Up to 20 years in prison and/or $250,000 fine |

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