Former Erie High School Teacher Pleads Guilty To Producing And Possessing Child Pornography

ERIE, PA. – An Erie resident pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal laws related to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

David Montgomery pleaded guilty to three counts before United States District Judge David Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that while Montgomery was employed as a teacher at Collegiate Academy in Erie, Pa., he made numerous videos and images that depicted him engaged in sex acts with a minor male. Montgomery also took sexually explicit photos of the boy. Montgomery’s illegal sexual contact with the victim began when the boy was approximately eight and the criminal conduct concluded when the boy was approximately 14 years old. Montgomery gained access to the boy by paying for his travel to Erie from the victim’s residence outside of Pennsylvania. Montgomery and the victim also traveled together outside Pennsylvania on several occasions. Montgomery also took sexually explicit photos of another minor male who was approximately eight when the photos were taken. Montgomery also possessed numerous items of other child pornography.

Judge Cercone did not set a date for sentencing. The law provides for a total sentence of 80 years in prison, a fine of $750,000, 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, Montgomery remained detained.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Erie County Detectives Bureau, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Erie Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Montgomery.