A former Pittsburgh resident, Terry Bonner, has been sentenced to 36 months in federal prison for failing to comply with sex offender registration laws. The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy on January 16, 2025.

Bonner, aged 30, had previously pleaded guilty to First Degree Criminal Sexual Abuse in Alabama. This conviction required him to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). Despite being notified of his obligation to register as a sex offender in any jurisdiction where he resides, Bonner did not update his registration after moving to Pittsburgh between December 2022 and April 2023.

Court records indicate that Bonner has a history of convictions for failing to register as a sex offender in Alabama. Before sentencing, Judge Hardy highlighted the seriousness of Bonner's actions due to his extensive criminal history and disregard for registration requirements. "SORNA requirements exist to keep communities safe from violent sex offenders with histories like Bonner’s," Judge Hardy stated. He expressed hope that the sentence would underscore the importance of compliance with SORNA obligations.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin C. Dobkin. United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan praised the efforts of the United States Marshals Service and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police in their investigation leading to Bonner's prosecution.