A Garrettsville, Ohio, resident has been accused of violating federal laws related to the sexual exploitation of minors. Robert Alan Pepus, 26, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie, Pennsylvania, on six counts of sex crimes.
According to the indictment, Pepus engaged in interstate travel for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity with a minor. He also induced the minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of that conduct. Additionally, Pepus possessed child sexual abuse material.
The indictment names Pepus as the sole defendant and charges him with violating federal laws related to the sexual exploitation of minors.
Pepus faces a maximum total sentence of up to life plus 130 years in prison, a fine of up to $1.5 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the indictment.
This 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. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The charges against Pepus include:
Engaging in interstate travel for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity with a minor.
Inducing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of that conduct.
Possessing child sexual abuse material.
The exact date of the alleged crimes is not specified. However, the indictment alleges that the crimes occurred from September 2024 through October 2024.
Pepus’ current status is that of an indicted defendant, presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Related Federal Cases
- Michael Brooks, Possession of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Pennsylvania 2021 · Pennsylvania
- David Stanton, Possession of Material Depicting Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Pennsylvania 2021 · Pennsylvania
- Philip W. Wagner, Possession of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Pennsylvania 2018 · Connecticut
- Carmen J. Sagnimeni, Enticement of a Minor and Interstate Travel for Illegal Sexual Activity, Pennsylvania 2016 · Pennsylvania
- Soumya Rudra, Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Ohio 2024 · California
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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