Robinson Twp. Man Pleads Guilty To Possession Of Child Pornography
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - Acting United States Attorney Robert S. Cessar announced today, March 29, 2010, that on March 26, 2010, Christopher M. Beardsley, a former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of Possession of Child Pornography.
Beardsley, age 53, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Gary L. Lancaster.
In connection with the guilty plea, Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch advised the court that on September 15, 2009, Beardsley was found in possession of thousands of videos and still photographs depicting child pornography which he had obtained by computer. Most of the child pornography depicted prepubescent children and many images portrayed violent, sadistic, or masochistic activity.
Judge Lancaster scheduled sentencing for July 30, 2010, at 10:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000.00, 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. Beardsley was detained pending sentencing.
The Pennsylvania State Police, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Beardsley.
