ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Alberta, Canada, 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.

Ronald Cail, 53, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Sean J. McLaughlin.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Cail transported obscene material via computer from Canada to an undercover Erie County Detective in July 2006.

Judge McLaughlin scheduled sentencing for October 12, 2011.  The law provides for a total sentence of 5 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.

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

The Erie County District Attorney's Office conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Cail.

Return to Top