Kenneth L. Blanks, Child Sexual Exploitation, Pennsylvania 2022

Erie Man Guilty of Child Sexual Exploitation

…A Shocking Crime in the Heart of Pennsylvania

Kenneth L. Blanks, 41, a resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children. United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced this development today.

Blanks pleaded guilty to two counts before Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone. According to the guilty plea, Blanks received and possessed computer images and movies 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. The initiative involves federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and to identify and rescue victims.

Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The investigation was conducted by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations and the Erie Police Department.

The law provides for a total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, 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.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for January 30, 2023, at 1:00 pm. Pending sentencing, the court continued Blanks on bond.

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