Johnstown Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child Pornography
| U.S. Attorney’s Office March 07, 2012 |
JOHNSTOWN, PA—On March 6, 2012, a resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possessing child pornography, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Michael J. Fitzpatrick, 54, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on December 8, 2009, Fitzpatrick knowingly possessed pictures and videos in individual computer graphic files which were produced using minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The computer graphic files were shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.
Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for July 12, 2012 at 1 p.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 John J. Valkovci, Jr. is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police (Computer Crime Unit/Area III) conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Fitzpatrick.