Trevor Metterhauser, a 41-year-old resident of Pennsylvania, was sentenced on May 8 to 80 years in prison for attempted aggravated sexual abuse, aggravated sexual abuse, sexual exploitation of children, and multiple counts of possession of child pornography. The case involved two toddler victims located in upstate New York and Texas.
The sentencing highlights the seriousness with which federal authorities address crimes involving the exploitation and abuse of children. The charges stemmed from incidents in November and December 2022 when Metterhauser conspired with others to sexually exploit young children across state lines.
According to prosecutors, Metterhauser traveled from Pennsylvania to New York in November 2022 to record images depicting a four-year-old girl naked. His co-conspirator then sexually assaulted the child after he left. In December that year, Metterhauser traveled to Texas where he agreed with another individual to sexually assault a two-year-old child and record the act. Upon his arrest in early 2023 in New York, law enforcement found electronic devices containing recordings of these assaults as well as other child pornography.
In addition to his prison sentence, United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino imposed a lifetime term of supervised release on Metterhauser, ordered $78,000 restitution for victims, and required him to pay a $1,000 special assessment.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III said: “This defendant deserves to spend every minute of the rest of his life behind bars, and today’s sentence ensures that is just what will happen. Although nothing will take back the monstrosities he inflicted on very young, vulnerable children, I am proud that the FBI and my Office have done everything in our power to stop him and prevent him from victimizing more children. To the families of the victims and parents everywhere, please know that we will stop at nothing to take criminals like this defendant off the street—for good.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli said: “This powerful sentence is indicative of the sick and twisted behavior of this prolific predator. Trevor Metterhauser’s horrific abuse spanned multiple states and caused immeasurable harm to the children he hurt. With this sentence, he will now die in federal prison. We would like to thank our colleagues at FBI San Antonio for their assistance with ensuring the victims in this case received justice. FBI Albany’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force will continue to dedicate every resource necessary to investigate and hold accountable these depraved individuals who are preying on our children.”
Metterhauser's co-conspirators have each pled guilty for their roles related to abusing these victims.
The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York prosecutes federal criminal cases—including those involving child exploitation—and defends civil matters on behalf of the United States while coordinating law enforcement initiatives across its offices located throughout Albany, Binghamton, Plattsburgh,and Syracuse; it covers an area exceeding 30,000 square miles with about 3.4 million residents according to its official website.
Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative led by U.S Attorneys' Offices along with federal partners aimed at combating child sexual exploitation through coordinated efforts among agencies.
