Matthew Berresford, Child Pornography, Pennsylvania 2024

Harrisburg, PA – Matthew Berresford, a 44-year-old man from Straban Township, Pennsylvania, has been indicted on charges of child pornography. The indictment was announced by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam stated that the indictment charges Beresford with producing and attempting to produce child pornography, receiving child pornography, and coercing or enticing a child to engage in unlawful sexual activity. The indictment also alleges that Beresford was previously convicted in Maryland in 2010 of a felony sex offense, which could result in increased penalties if he is found guilty of the federal offenses charged in the indictment.

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. The project brings together federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.

The investigation was carried out by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian Haugsby is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is up to life imprisonment, a term of up to lifetime supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

It is essential to note that indictments are only allegations, and all persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

The case highlights the ongoing efforts to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse, and the importance of collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies in bringing perpetrators to justice.

Related Federal Cases