PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A despicable crime has shaken a community in Westmoreland County, as a resident has pleaded guilty to producing sexually explicit videos and images of a minor.
Timothy Eugene Shearer, a 54-year-old Avonmore man, pleaded guilty to one count of production of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor in federal court, according to United States Attorney David J. Hickton.
The court was advised that from in or around February of 2009 to on or about September of 2009, and in or around October of 2006, Shearer persuaded, induced, and coerced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct, for the purpose of producing visual depictions of that conduct, namely a digital video and other images.
The indictment also charged that Shearer possessed visual depictions, namely, digital image files and a video file, depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
The law provides for a total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Lieber Smolar is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Shearer.
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.
Defendant: Timothy Eugene Shearer
Criminal Charges: Production of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor
City and State: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Exact Date: August 7, 2013 (sentencing)
Sentence or Outcome: Sentencing scheduled for August 7, 2013
Dollar Amounts: $250,000 (fine)
Related Federal Cases
- Timothy Eugene Shearer, Producing Child Exploitation Material, Pennsylvania 2009 · Florida
- Eric Lee Stafford, Child Sex Exploitation, Pennsylvania 2023 · Washington
- Matthew Trax, Child Sex Exploitation, Pennsylvania 2024 · Pennsylvania
- Kameron E. Tolbert, Child Sex Exploitation, California 2022 · Ohio
- Timothy Koenck, Child Sexual Exploitation, Iowa 2012 · Iowa
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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