Lawrence County Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child Pornography

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Lawrence County, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Sean J. Barner, 38, formerly of New Bedford, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on March 28, 2015, Barner unlawfully possessed computer graphics files containing photographs and videos depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for Feb. 22, 2017, at 9:30am. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000.00, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Lee J. Karl is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Barner.