U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam | U.S. Department of Justice
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania has announced the indictment of two men from Pennsylvania on charges related to child exploitation. Kevin Eric Abbott, 39, from Scranton, and Rashaad Khalid Che Taylor, 28, from Milford, were indicted by a federal grand jury. The charges include conspiracy to produce child pornography, online enticement, distribution and possession of child pornography. Taylor also faces charges related to committing a felony sex offense while registered as a sex offender.
According to the indictment, Abbott and Taylor allegedly conspired over at least eighteen months to entice children into producing child pornography. Both are accused of engaging in online enticement and attempting to entice children. Abbott is further alleged to have distributed child pornography multiple times. Law enforcement found both men in possession of images and videos depicting pre-pubescent children engaged in sexual acts. Taylor's offenses are said to have occurred while he was registered as a sex offender due to prior convictions from 2016.
The Department of Homeland Security conducted the investigation with Assistant U.S. Attorney Luisa Honora Berti prosecuting the case.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse nationwide. The project involves collaboration among federal, state, and local resources to locate and prosecute individuals who exploit children sexually and rescue victims.
Under federal law, these offenses carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment along with supervised release after imprisonment and fines. Sentencing follows consideration by a judge based on federal sentencing statutes and guidelines.
It is important to note that indictments are merely allegations; those charged are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
