Convicted Child Molester Pleads Guilty in Johnstown, PA to Possessing Child Pornography, Illegal Gun and Ammunition

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Somerset County pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating child pornography and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

William M. Jones, 51, of Stoystown, Pa., pleaded guilty to the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, on September 18, 2019, knowingly possessed pictures and videos in individual computer graphic files which were produced using prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Further, Jones was found in possession of a firearm and ammunition. In 2003, Jones was convicted in Howard County, Indiana, of child molestation, which is a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. Federal law prohibits persons who have been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing firearms.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for August 12, 2020, at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Jones is detained and was ordered to remain detained pending sentencing.

Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard, Jr. is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Department of Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Jones.