Terry Bonner, Violating Sex Offender Registration Laws, Pennsylvania 2025

A Pittsburgh resident has been held accountable for his crimes after failing to register as a sex offender. Terry Bonner, 30, was sentenced to 36 months in prison for violating federal sex offender registration laws.

Bonner's troubles began when he was convicted of First Degree Criminal Sexual Abuse while living in the State of Alabama. This conviction led to a requirement for Bonner to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). However, Bonner failed to take any steps to update his registration with local law enforcement officials as required for a sex offender under SORNA.

According to court records, Bonner had been convicted multiple times for failing to register in Alabama before making his way to Pennsylvania. He lived in the City of Pittsburgh between December 2022 and April 2023, but still failed to register as a sex offender.

United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy imposed the sentence on January 16, 2025. Hardy stated that Bonner's conduct was particularly serious due to his lengthy criminal history, history of violence, and repeated willful disregard for his registration requirements.

Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin C. Dobkin prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States. United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan commended the United States Marshals Service and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Bonner.

Bonner's failure to register as a sex offender has put the community at risk. His sentence serves as a reminder that those who fail to comply with sex offender registration requirements will face severe consequences. The community can rest a little easier knowing that Bonner will be behind bars for the next three years.

Bonner's case is a stark reminder of the importance of sex offender registration. The Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) exists to keep communities safe from violent sex offenders with histories like Bonner's. His sentence sends a clear message that those who fail to register will be held accountable.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/pr/pittsburgh-resident-sentenced-three-years-prison-failure-register-sex-offender