Bridgeville Predator Sentenced to 15 Years for Exploiting Teen

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Matthew A. Trax, 25, of Bridgeville, Pennsylvania, will spend the next 15 years in federal prison for the sickening production of child sexual abuse material. The sentence, handed down by United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy, includes a mandatory 10 years of federal supervised release following incarceration. Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced the conviction today, a rare win against the depravity that festers in the shadows.

The details are grim. According to court documents, Trax deliberately lured a 14-year-old female into engaging in sexually explicit acts specifically for the purpose of creating visual depictions. He didn’t stop there. Trax then callously sent the minor images *and* a video of himself engaging in sexual intercourse with her – all recorded on his phone. This wasn’t a fleeting moment; it was a calculated, predatory scheme.

Judge Hardy didn’t mince words during sentencing. He characterized Trax’s actions as “extremely serious,” rightfully condemning the exploitation of vulnerable children. “This sentence serves not only to punish the defendant for his conduct and to protect the community, but to also deter Trax and other individuals who may seek to exploit children,” Hardy stated. It’s a small comfort, but a necessary one, for a victim whose life has been irrevocably damaged.

Assistant United States Attorney Nicole A. Stockey led the prosecution, meticulously building a case that brought this monster to justice. Rivetti was quick to praise the collaborative effort of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, along with the Mt. Lebanon, South Fayette, and Allegheny County Police Departments. Without their combined dedication, this case might have remained hidden, allowing Trax to continue his horrific behavior.

This prosecution falls under the umbrella of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice. The program aims to combat the escalating epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse by pooling federal, state, and local resources. It’s a constant battle, and cases like Trax’s highlight the urgent need for continued vigilance and prosecution.

The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on efforts to protect children from predators. If you have information about child exploitation, report it immediately to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST or visit their website at www.missingkids.org. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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