Justin Darby, Sexual Exploitation of Minors, Pennsylvania 2025

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A former resident of Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, has been caught up in a disturbing case of child exploitation. Justin Darby, 37, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal law regarding the sexual exploitation of minors, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Darby pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan. The Court was advised that, on or about October 28, 2021, Darby knowingly altered and destroyed records associated with an application on his cellular telephone with the intent to impede and obstruct an investigation of him for offenses involving the sexual exploitation of children.

According to the guilty plea, on February 6, 2024, as well as on three additional occasions with three additional minor victims, Darby attempted to and did induce a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of the conduct.

Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing for August 25, 2025. The law provides for a total 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 is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, Darby remained detained.

Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Darby.

As part of the guilty plea, Darby admitted to altering and destroying records associated with an application on his cellular telephone, and inducing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of the conduct.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.