Brian Zenszer, a former SEPTA police officer from Warminster, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for possession and distribution of child pornography. The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge Harvey Bartle III. In addition to the prison term, Zenszer will serve seven years of supervised release and must pay $32,000 in restitution.
Zenszer was indicted in December 2024 and pleaded guilty in April to one count each of distributing and possessing child pornography. At the time of his arrest, he was employed as a police officer with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA).
According to court documents and statements made during the proceedings, Zenszer distributed a visual depiction of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct on July 21, 2024. He also possessed a Samsung cellular phone containing similar material on November 6, 2024. Some of the images involved prepubescent minors under the age of 12.
The investigation began after two CyberTips were submitted to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). These tips concerned accounts on the Kik messaging app that uploaded suspected child pornography files. Authorities traced both accounts back to Zenszer.
“Brian Zenszer broke the law while sworn to uphold it, and the nature of his crimes is truly abhorrent,” said U.S. Attorney Metcalf. “Those who trade images of children being sexually abused perpetuate the victimization of the vulnerable, and, like Zenszer, they must be held accountable.”
“Crimes like these are among the most egregious offenses the FBI investigates, and protecting the vulnerable remains one of our top priorities,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia. “This sentencing is a testament to the diligent and unceasing work of the FBI and our law enforcement partners in pursuing justice. We will continue to hold offenders accountable for their crimes and safeguard the innocent from predators.”
“The sentencing of Brian Zenszer sends a clear message that those who engage in the abhorrent act of child pornography will be held accountable,” said Bucks County District Attorney Jennifer Schorn. “We are committed to working with our federal partners, like the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, to relentlessly pursue and prosecute individuals who exploit children, ensuring justice for victims and protecting the most vulnerable members of our community.”
This prosecution falls under Project Safe Childhood, an initiative started by the Department of Justice in May 2006 that brings together federal, state, and local resources against online child exploitation. More information about this program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/psc.
The case was investigated by both FBI agents and staff from the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Maureen McCartney led prosecution efforts.
