Farrell, PA Woman Distributed 11 Images of Child Sexual Exploitation

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Farrell, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of Distribution of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Mary Jacobs, age 28, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from February 27, 2017 through February 28, 2017, Jacobs distributed approximately 11 still images depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor to an individual using "Skout", an online chat forum. Jacobs had been communicating online with the individual for a short period and she acknowledged producing the images at his request. The child victim had not yet attained the age of 12 years.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for September 14, 2021. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than five and not more than 20 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 prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, Jacobs remains in custody.

Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Jacobs.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.