Philly Leader

John R. Young, a 47-year-old resident of Easton, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for producing child pornography. United States District Court Judge Jeffrey L. Schmehl handed down the sentence, which includes lifetime supervised release and pending victim restitution.

The investigation by the FBI targeted a dark web site dedicated to child pornography, identifying Young as an active user who had posted illicit content. On October 17, 2023, federal agents executed a search warrant at Young's home, seizing electronic devices that contained thousands of images of child pornography. Among these was an image produced and shared by Young himself involving a child under ten years old.

Young admitted to his involvement with the website and acknowledged possessing additional illegal material on his devices. He also confessed to using a disguised recording device in an attempt to create more pornographic content.

Following his arrest on October 17, 2023, Young pleaded guilty in June this year to one count of production of child pornography.

U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero commented on the case: “Not only was John Young a prolific collector of child pornography, he sexually exploited a child to produce such an image and shared it with other predators.” She emphasized ongoing efforts by her office and the FBI to prosecute those involved in creating or distributing these abusive images.

Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia, stated: “Children are among the most vulnerable members of our community, and sexual exploitation of them is one of the most devious crimes the FBI investigates.”

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood—a Department of Justice initiative aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse online since May 2006—led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices along with state and local resources for prosecution and victim identification.

The investigation was conducted by FBI Philadelphia's Allentown Resident Agency with prosecution led by Assistant United States Attorney John J. Boscia alongside Kyle Reynolds from the Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section.