Youngwood Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child Pornography

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Youngsville, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Tyler Mitchell Engle, 23, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Engle possessed computer images depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for May 16, 2016 at 10:45 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 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 prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Engle on bond.

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

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