McKean County Man Admits Receiving Child Pornography

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Smethport, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Peter Nollen Hergenrother, 63, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Maurice B. Cohill, Jr.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Hergenrother received computer images depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

Judge Cohill scheduled sentencing for November 12, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 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.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Hergenrother on bond.

Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Hergenrother.

Launched in February 2006, Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.