News and Press Releases

Erie Man Charged With Receipt, Distribution And Possession Of Child Pornography

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 13, 2011

ERIE, Pa. ‑ A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The three-count indictment named Michael Vay Daratany, 34, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, Daratany received, distributed and possessed computer images depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 50 years in prison, a fine of $750,000, or both.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

An indictment or information is an accusation.  A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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