Washington County Man Admits Possessing Child Pornography Videos
| U.S. Attorney’s Office June 23, 2011 |
PITTSBURGH—A resident of Washington County, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possession of child pornography, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Joel A. Nuzum, 21, pleaded guilty to one count before Chief United States District Judge Gary L. Lancaster.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Nuzum, on Nov. 20, 2009, unlawfully possessed, in computer graphics files, videos depicting child pornography.
Judge Lancaster scheduled sentencing for Oct. 28, 2011, at 11:00 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 criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Nuzum.
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.