Two Pittsburgh residents, Karen R. Allen, 37, and James Clark, 38, have been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges related to the sexual exploitation of children. The indictment alleges that in August 2024, both individuals coerced a minor into sexually explicit conduct to produce visual depictions of the acts.
The indictment was returned last month under seal and has since been unsealed. Both Allen and Clark appeared for arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Kezia O. L. Taylor.
According to Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti, "The six-count sealed Indictment was returned last month, and named Karen R. Allen, 37, and James Clark, 38. The Indictment has since been unsealed, and both defendants appeared for arraignment in federal court today before United States Magistrate Judge Kezia O. L. Taylor."
If convicted, each defendant faces a minimum sentence of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison as well as a fine of up to $250,000 or both. Sentencing will be determined according to federal guidelines based on the seriousness of the offense and any prior criminal history.
Assistant United States Attorney Robert Schupansky is prosecuting the case for the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation that resulted in these charges. The case is part of Project Safe Childhood—a Department of Justice initiative launched in May 2006 that brings together federal, state, and local resources to address child sexual exploitation and abuse (https://www.justice.gov/psc). Project Safe Childhood works through the efforts of U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) with goals that include locating offenders and rescuing victims.
Authorities emphasized that an indictment is an accusation; all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
