A Pittsburgh man is behind bars and facing federal time after being indicted on charges of attempting to coerce a minor into illegal sexual activity. Thomas Hunt, 30, of Pittsburgh, PA, was taken into custody and is now locked up at Allegheny County Jail as federal prosecutors move forward with a one-count indictment.
The indictment, returned by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, alleges that between September 13, 2021, and October 13, 2021, Hunt engaged in conduct meant to lure and pressure a minor into sexual acts. The charge of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor carries a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in federal prison and a maximum penalty of life behind bars, along with a fine of up to $250,000.00.
Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman confirmed the indictment, stating that federal law enforcement is treating the case with the severity it demands. Hunt has not yet entered a plea, and under U.S. legal standards, he is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin J. Risacher is leading the prosecution. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which traced digital communications and online interactions believed to form the basis of the enticement charge. Authorities have not released the specific platform or method used in the alleged coercion.
This case falls under Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide Department of Justice initiative launched in 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation. Through coordinated efforts between federal, state, and local agencies, the program targets predators who use the internet and other tools to victimize children.
For more information on Project Safe Childhood and its enforcement actions, visit www.justice.gov/psc. The court proceedings against Thomas Hunt are expected to proceed in the Western District of Pennsylvania in the coming months.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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