PITTSBURGH - A resident of Bridgeville, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of Distribution of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor and Possession of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Paul Chretien, age 66, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about September 26, 2018, Chretien distributed images in computer graphic files depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor. The court was further advised that on or about February 6, 2019, Chretien possessed images in computer graphic files, the production of which involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, some of whom had not yet attained 12 years of age.
Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for July 8, 2021. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than five years and not more than 20 years 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 prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Chretien.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .
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