Altoona Man Admits Possessing Pornographic Images and Videos of Minors

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Altoona, Pa. pleaded guilty today in federal court to a charge of possession of child pornography, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Trenton Stehley, 20, of Altoona, Pa., pleaded guilty to the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, on August 11, 2015, Stehley knowingly possessed videos and images in individual computer graphic files which were produced using minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The computer graphic files were shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Feb. 20, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie L. Haines, is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Altoona Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Stehley.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.