SCRANTON, PA — A man from Luzerne, Pennsylvania, was convicted of producing child pornography following a jury trial. John Vincent Watson, age 47, was found guilty on all counts on Friday, December 1, 2023.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the evidence presented at trial demonstrated that Watson produced four videos and one still image of child pornography in Wilkes-Barre between October 23 and 24, 2021. The materials showed Watson engaging in sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old girl, posing her nude for the camera, and providing her with alcohol. After two days of testimony, the jury took less than 30 minutes to find Watson guilty on all counts.
William S. Walker, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia, said, “Watson’s conviction sends a clear message that HSI and our partner agencies will devote every resource available to investigating, prosecuting, and convicting those who prey upon our most vulnerable citizens.”
United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani has tentatively scheduled the sentencing for April 2024.
The case was investigated by several agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations, Plains Township Police Department, Kingston Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police Computer Crime Lab, and the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jenny P. Roberts and Sean A. Camoni are prosecuting the case.
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