Michael J. Costello, Child Pornography Distribution, Pennsylvania 2014

SCRANTON—Michael J. Costello, 42, of Archbald, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to receiving and distributing child pornography, a federal crime that carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine.

According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Costello admitted to using a computer to obtain and trade images of child pornography between January 2014 and August 2014. His computer contained more than 1,100 images and over 300 videos of child pornography.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Francis P. Sempa and Evan J. Gotlob are prosecuting the case.

Costello’s guilty plea marks a significant milestone in the fight against child exploitation. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Attorney General to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to identify, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and to identify and rescue victims.

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.

The charge of receiving and distributing child pornography carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant’s educational, vocational and medical needs.

Michael J. Costello is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion at a later date. The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 20 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.

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