The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania has announced that Andrew Higgins, a 37-year-old Jamaican national, was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges related to child exploitation.
Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus stated that the indictment accuses Higgins of using the internet and an electronic device from January 15 to January 17, 2025, in an attempt to persuade and coerce a child into sexual conduct.
The investigation was carried out by Homeland Security Investigations – RAC Allentown. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Tatum R. Wilson.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse. The project coordinates resources at federal, state, and local levels to locate and prosecute individuals who exploit children sexually while also identifying and rescuing victims.
Under federal law, the maximum penalty for the crimes charged in this indictment is life imprisonment, along with supervised release after imprisonment and a fine. Sentencing follows a guilty verdict and considers applicable federal statutes and guidelines.
It is important to note that indictments are only allegations. Individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
