Mark Randall Salego, Child Pornography Possession, PA, 2013

PITTSBURGH – Mark Randall Salego, a 53-year-old resident of New Kensington, Pa., has entered a guilty plea in federal court for violating child exploitation laws. The grim revelation comes from United States Attorney David J. Hickton.

According to the charges, Salego possessed material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor on February 28, 2013, and distributed it on January 27, 2013. The offense carries severe penalties, with Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose setting sentencing for April 8, 2014.

The law dictates a potential sentence ranging from five to twenty years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. The actual sentence will be determined by the severity of the offenses and Salego’s criminal history, if any.

Assistant United States Attorney Amy L. Johnston is handling the prosecution for the government. The investigation that led to Salego’s arrest was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police.

This case highlights the relentless pursuit of justice against those who prey on the most vulnerable, showcasing the joint efforts of federal and state law enforcement agencies.

Mark Salego’s plea underscores the gravity of child exploitation crimes and serves as a stark reminder to the community about the consequences faced by individuals involved in such heinous acts.