Thomas Hunt, Attempted Coercion of a Minor, Pennsylvania 2021

A Pittsburgh man has been indicted on a charge of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, announced Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman today.

The one-count Indictment named Thomas Hunt, 30, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant. According to the Indictment, from on or about September 13, 2021, until on or about October 13, 2021, Hunt attempted to coerce and entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity.

Hunt is currently in custody at Allegheny County Jail. The law provides for a term of imprisonment of not less than ten (10) years and not more than life in prison, a fine not greater than $250,000.00, or both.

Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin J. Risacher is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Defendant: Thomas Hunt

Criminal Charges: Attempted Coercion of a Minor for Sex

City and State: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Date: September 13, 2021, to October 13, 2021

Sentence: Not yet determined, but could be life in prison

Fine: Up to $250,000.00

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/pr/pittsburgh-man-indicted-attempted-coercion-minor-sex-charge