A man from Blawnox, Pennsylvania, has pleaded guilty to federal charges related to the sexual exploitation of a minor and has been sentenced to 20 years in prison. The sentencing was announced by First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti.
James Muir, age 60, appeared before Chief United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon and pleaded guilty to two counts involving the sexual exploitation of a minor. After serving his prison term, Muir will be subject to lifetime supervised release.
Court records indicate that on or around October 19, 2022, Muir induced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing videos and photographs. He later distributed this material via text message to another individual.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan.
First Assistant United States Attorney Rivetti recognized the efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation-Pittsburgh’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, as well as the Allegheny County Police Department and Blawnox Borough Police Department. He stated: "First Assistant United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation-Pittsburgh’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, including the Allegheny County Police Department and Blawnox Borough Police Department, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Muir."
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 that coordinates federal, state, and local resources against child sexual exploitation and abuse. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.justice.gov/psc.
