Tony A. Vonneida Charged with Child Exploitation, Porn Possession

WILLIAMSPORT — A 62-year-old Lewisburg man, Tony A. Vonneida, has been indicted on federal charges tied to the sexual exploitation of a minor and possession of child pornography, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

The federal grand jury in Williamsport returned the indictment this week, alleging that in 2014, Vonneida coerced a minor into engaging in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions—acts that directly violated federal law. At the time, Vonneida was already required to register as a sex offender under Pennsylvania law, making the charges even more egregious.

Authorities further allege Vonneida knowingly possessed digital images containing child pornography, including depictions of minors under the age of 12. Those materials were allegedly transported across state lines, placing the crimes under federal jurisdiction and exposing Vonneida to harsher penalties.

The investigation was a joint effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Buffalo Valley Regional Police Department. Federal prosecutors say the multi-agency collaboration was critical in uncovering the extent of the digital evidence tied to Vonneida’s alleged crimes.

Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey W. MacArthur is leading the prosecution. If convicted, Vonneida faces a maximum penalty of 60 years in prison, a $750,000 fine, and up to a lifetime of supervised release following any incarceration. Sentencing would also consider factors like the nature of the offense and the defendant’s criminal history under federal guidelines.

It is important to note that an indictment is not a conviction. Tony A. Vonneida is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The case remains under active prosecution as federal authorities move toward trial.