Scranton Man Charged With Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography

A federal grand jury in the Middle District of Pennsylvania indicted Zachary Watkins, a 20-year-old man from Scranton, Pennsylvania, on February 23, 2021, for the receipt and distribution of child pornography.

According to Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Bandler, the indictment alleges that between January 1, 2020, and January 27, 2021, in Lackawanna County, Watkins received and distributed visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

The charges stem from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Scranton Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney James Buchanan is prosecuting the case.

It is essential to note that indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

Additionally, a sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is 20 years imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The mandatory minimum for these offenses is 5 years imprisonment.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the U.S. government to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.

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