Bradford Man Pleads Guilty to Receiving and Distributing Child Pornography
| U.S. Attorney’s Office October 15, 2009 |
United States Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan announced today, October 15, 2009, that John Kujath, a resident of Bradford, Pennsylvania, who is detained at the Erie County Prison, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children.
Kujath, age 46, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Sean J. McLaughlin.
In connection with the guilty plea, Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold advised the court that Kujath received and distributed hundreds of computer images and movies depicting prepubesecent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Several of these items depict children younger than 10 subjected to bestiality, bondage, and other acts of violence.
Judge McLaughlin scheduled sentencing for February 8, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 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 conviction of Kujath.