A York County man has been charged with a string of serious child exploitation offenses, including coercing a minor into prostitution and receiving child pornography.
According to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, John Rivera Pesante, 25, of York, Pennsylvania, was indicted on child exploitation charges by a federal grand jury in December of 2024.
The indictment alleges that Pesante coerced and enticed a minor to engage in prostitution and other sex offenses in December of 2024.
The indictment also alleges that Pesante received child pornography on dates ranging from August of 2024 to earlier this year.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case and Assistant United States Attorney Stephen W. Dukes is prosecuting the 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.
Pesante faces a maximum penalty of a lifetime term of imprisonment, a mandatory minimum term of 10 years imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.
A sentence following the finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
It’s worth noting that indictments and criminal informations are only allegations, and all persons charged are presumed innocent until found guilty in court.
Pesante’s case is just one example of the ongoing efforts to combat child exploitation and abuse in our communities.
The Grimy Times will continue to monitor this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Related Federal Cases
- Eric Lee Stafford, Child Sex Exploitation, Pennsylvania 2023 · Pennsylvania
- James Robert Gilmore, Jr., Possessing Child Exploitation Material, Pennsylvania 2012 · Pennsylvania
- Matthew Lawrence Gamret, Possessing Child Exploitation Material, Pennsylvania 2012 · Pennsylvania
- Mark Philip Campbell, Child Exploitation, Pennsylvania 2013 · Indiana
- Christopher Murdock, Possessing Child Exploitation Material, Pennsylvania 2012 · Indiana
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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