Carnegie Man Admits Possessing Child Pornography

Acting United States Attorney Robert S. Cessar announced today, April 22, 2010, that Charles Jude Gaschler, a resident of Carnegie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possession of child pornography.

Gaschler, age 63, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Alan N. Bloch.

In connection with the guilty plea, Assistant United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman advised the court that a search warrant was executed at Gaschler’s residence on December 23, 2009. Gaschler lived alone. The computer seized from the residence contained over 100 videos of child pornography, including videos showing graphic sexual acts between adult males and prepubescent boys.

Judge Bloch scheduled sentencing for 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 12, 2010. The law provides for a maximum sentence of ten (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 criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Charles Jude Gaschler.

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.