Michael Marlette, Possession of Child Pornography, Pennsylvania 2020

Pittsburgh Man Charged with Possession of Child Pornography

A Pittsburgh man is facing serious charges after being accused of possessing material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, according to a federal indictment unsealed today.

Michael Marlette, 53, was charged with possessing material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors in a one-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on February 18, 2020.

According to the indictment, Marlette was found to have possessed materials depicting the sexual exploitation of minors on or about April 19, 2018. The indictment does not provide further details on the nature of the materials or how they were obtained.

Marlette was released on bond pending trial and faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both under the law. The actual sentence imposed would be based on the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Mark V. Gurzo is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government, with Homeland Security Investigations and the Blawnox Police Department conducting the investigation. The 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.

An indictment is an accusation, and Marlette is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. This case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat child exploitation and protect vulnerable victims.

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