Erie Man Pleads Guilty to Child Exploitation Charges
Mark Joseph Bretz, a 28-year-old former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, announced United States Attorney Scott W. Brady today.
Bretz pleaded guilty to three counts before United States District Judge David S. Cercone on October 7, 2019.
According to the guilty plea, Bretz received computer images depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct and used interstate communications to extort several victims into providing Bretz sexually explicit or suggestive material.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Erie County Detectives Bureau and the Aurora, Colorado Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Bretz.
Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, Bretz faces a total sentence of 24 years in prison, a fine of $750,000, or both.
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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