ERIE, PA — A former resident of Lake City, Pennsylvania, William Joseph Leuschen, has pleaded guilty to charges related to the sexual exploitation of children. The announcement was made on Monday, December 18, 2023, by United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan.
Leuschen, 38, admitted guilt to one count in front of United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter. The court was informed that between May 2020 and February 2022, Leuschen received and possessed explicit images of prepubescent minors, some as young as infants and toddlers.
As part of his plea deal, Leuschen agreed to a sentence of 15 years in jail, followed by ten years of supervised release. However, the law stipulates that the maximum sentence for such an offense could amount to 40 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both.
The actual sentence imposed depends on the seriousness of the offense and the defendant’s prior criminal history, if any. Judge Baxter has scheduled the sentencing for April 17, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold on behalf of the government. The investigation leading to Leuschen’s prosecution was a collaborative effort by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Erie County Detectives Bureau, and the Erie County Adult Probation and Parole Department.
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