Johnstown Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child Pornography
| U.S. Attorney’s Office July 22, 2009 |
United States Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan announced today, July 22, 2009, that Matthew C. Ehredt, a resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possessing child pornography.
Ehredt, age 21, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.
In connection with the guilty plea, Assistant United States Attorney John J. Valkovci, Jr., advised the court that on February 25, 2008, Ehredt knowingly possessed movies 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 November 12, 2009, at 11 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.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation/Laurel Highlands Resident Agency, the Pennsylvania State Police/Area III Computer Crimes Task Force, and the Cambria County District Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Ehredt.