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Press Release

Butler County Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Sexual Images of Children

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH - A resident of West Sunbury, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Steven R. Lawniczak, 48, of West Sunbury, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Lawniczak, on March 4, 2014 and December 2, 2014, unlawfully possessed in computer graphics files, photographs and videos depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

Judge McVerry scheduled sentencing for Oct. 21, 2016. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Lawniczak remains detained pending sentencing.

Assistant United States Attorneys Carolyn J. Bloch and Shaun E. Sweeney are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Lawniczak.

Updated July 22, 2016

Topic
Project Safe Childhood