Berwick Man Sentenced To 180 Months In Prison For Child Exploitation Crime

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Vincent Shaffer, age 46, a resident of Berwick, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday to 180 months' imprisonment by Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann, for receipt of child pornography.

According to the United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, on December 7, 2023, FBI agents served a federal search warrant at Shaffer's residence in Berwick, Columbia County, Pennsylvania. Pursuant to the warrant, agents seized and later analyzed his cell phone. The forensic analysis uncovered approximately 54 images and videos of child pornography including a video exceeding one hour in duration that depicts the sexual abuse of multiple children including infants.

The investigation was conducted by FBI - Philadelphia Division, Williamsport RAC. Assistant United States Attorney Tatum Wilson prosecuted the case.

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 https://www.usdoj.gov/pscLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link..

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