Johnstown Man Pleads Guilty To Possessing Child Pornography

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Johnstown, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possession of child pornography, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Austin J. Correll, 32, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on Jan. 24, 2011, Correll knowingly possessed pictures and videos 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 June 12, 2013, at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of ten 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.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Correll on bond.

Assistant United States Attorney John J. Valkovci, Jr., is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Correll.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. Launched in Feb. 2006, Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.