The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania has announced that Louis Bradley Wetzel, a 41-year-old resident of Howard, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison. Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann delivered the sentence, which includes an additional 10 years of supervised release. Wetzel was convicted on charges related to the production of child pornography and online enticement of a minor.
In addition to his prison term, Wetzel is required to pay $50,000 in restitution to the victims. Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus stated that an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) led to these charges. A search warrant executed at Wetzel's home in December 2023 uncovered a large collection of child sexual exploitation material.
Forensic analysis of Wetzel's digital devices revealed communications with a 12-year-old minor whom he coerced into producing and distributing child pornography. Further evidence suggested that Wetzel claimed he could offer children for sale to other adults for sexual acts.
Assistant United States Attorney Luisa Honora Berti is prosecuting this case, which falls under Project Safe Childhood. This initiative was launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse through collaboration among federal, state, and local resources.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
