United States Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan announced today, April 7, 2008, that Anthony T. Hill, a resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court in Johnstown to a charge of possessing child pornography.

Hill, age 26, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, Assistant United States Attorney John J. Valkovci, Jr., advised the court that on December 19, 2006, Hill knowingly possessed photographs and movies as computer graphic files that contained images of child pornography.  The computer graphic files were shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for July 29, 2008, at 10:30 a.m.  The law provides for a total sentence of ten years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood.  Launched in February 2006, Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorney's Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (Laurel Highlands Resident Agency), the Pennsylvania State Police (Area III Computer Crimes Task Force), and the Richland Township Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Hill.