An Avonmore, Pennsylvania resident has pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to the production and possession of images depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The announcement was made by First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti.
Kenneth Bee, 54, admitted guilt to Counts One through Four of the indictment before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines. According to information presented in court, Bee produced images of a minor involved in sexually explicit acts over several years. Additionally, in or around September 2022, he possessed images showing prepubescent minors engaged in similar conduct.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 24, 2026. Bee faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison, as well as a possible fine of up to $250,000. The final sentence will be determined based on the seriousness of the offenses and any prior criminal history.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting the case for the government.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and the Pennsylvania State Police. The Armstrong County District Attorney’s Office and Indiana County District Attorney’s Office also participated.
This prosecution falls under Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 that brings together federal, state, and local resources to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. More details about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.justice.gov/psc.
