Former Bradford Man Admits Using Internet, Cell Phone to Entice a Minor to Have Sex

ERIE, PA—A former resident of Bradford, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Michael Eugene Begin, 34, pleaded guilty to two counts before Senior United States District Judge Maurice B. Cohill, Jr.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Begin utilized a cellular telephone and the Internet in an effort to entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity. Begin also transported obscene material to a minor.

Launched in February 2006, Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. 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.projectsafechildhood.gov.

Judge Cohill scheduled sentencing for March 7, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the City of Bradford Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Begin.