PITTSBURGH - A former resident of New Bedford, Pennsylvania, was indicted on Aug. 25, 2015, by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of distribution of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor and possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
The two-count indictment named Sean J. Barner, 37, as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment, on Jan. 25, 2015, Barner distributed visual depictions, namely videos in computer graphics files, the production of which involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The indictment further charges that Barner, on March 28, 2015, unlawfully possessed in computer graphics files, photographs and videos depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, 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.
Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
