John O’Donnell, Child Pornography, Pennsylvania 2023

A former resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for producing, distributing, and possessing child pornography.

PITTSBURGH, PA – John O’Donnell, 51, formerly of Verona, PA, was sentenced in federal court to 15 years’ incarceration to be followed by 15 years of supervised release for violating charges of production, distribution, and possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors.

Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on O’Donnell.

According to information presented to the court, O’Donnell distributed material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor on Facebook. When authorities searched his home, he was found to be in possession of nearly 300 images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of minors.

During the investigation into his illegal activities, authorities also learned that, through the use of a hidden camera, O’Donnell secretly videotaped a 12-year-old girl in his bathroom.

Assistant United States Attorney Shanicka L. Kennedy prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania Attorney’s General Office, the Allegheny County Police Department, and the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of O’Donnell.

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.