A federal grand jury has indicted Nolan M. Pitsch, a 31-year-old resident of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, on charges related to child pornography. The indictment includes five counts of production and one count of possession of child pornography, as announced by Richard G. Frohling, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin.
The allegations specify that between March 1, 2024, and September 30, 2024, Pitsch engaged multiple minors in sexually explicit conduct to produce visual depictions. These materials were allegedly produced and transmitted using means affecting interstate and foreign commerce. Additionally, it is alleged that on September 26, 2024, Pitsch possessed images of child pornography involving minors under twelve years old.
If convicted on the production charges, Pitsch could face a minimum sentence of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison. The possession charge carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years imprisonment. Each count also carries a possible fine of up to $250,000.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the U.S. Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. It involves collaboration among federal, state, and local resources to locate and prosecute offenders while identifying victims.
The investigation involved multiple offices from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) across Albany, Milwaukee, Chicago, Indianapolis as well as the Sheboygan Police Department and St. Louis County Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Megan J. Paulson along with Trial Attorney William Clayman from the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section will prosecute the case.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely an accusation; it does not constitute evidence of guilt. The defendant remains presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in a court trial.
