PITTSBURGH - A resident of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of receipt of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
Jeffrey John Valenta, age 56, of Jeannette, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count before Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in November 2010, the Pennsylvania State Police were conducting an undercover investigation into the Internet sharing of child pornography. In connection with the investigation, the state police obtained evidence that led to Valenta’s home. Troopers executed a search warrant at the residence of Valenta on January 6, 2011. He admitted to collecting and trading child pornography. A forensic review of Valenta’s computer revealed 33 video files depicting child pornography.
Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for March 14, 2018. 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.
Assistant United States Attorney Shanicka L. Kennedy is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
