A Ross Township resident, Ralph Talerico, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to the sexual exploitation of minors, according to an announcement from United States Attorney Troy Rivetti.
Talerico, 45, admitted guilt to three counts before Chief United States District Judge Cathy Bisson. The court was informed that between June and July 2023, Talerico produced videos involving two minor children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Additionally, on or about June 6, 2024, he possessed videos and images depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, including some who were prepubescent and under the age of 12.
Chief Judge Bissoon has scheduled sentencing for June 16, 2026. The offenses carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of up to 30 years in prison. Talerico also faces a potential fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing will be determined based on federal guidelines that consider the severity of the crimes and any prior criminal record.
Assistant United States Attorney V. Joseph Sonson is prosecuting the case for the government. The investigation was conducted by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General and Homeland Security Investigations.
The prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood, a Department of Justice initiative launched in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse by coordinating efforts among federal, state, and local agencies. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.justice.gov/psc.
