ERIE, PA — An Erie, Pennsylvania resident has pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to the sexual exploitation of children, according to an announcement made Monday, November 27, 2023.
Darren Steven George Akers, 48, admitted to receiving child sexual abuse material before United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter. The charges brought against Akers are grave violations of federal laws designed to protect minors from exploitation.
The court was informed that Akers received and attempted to receive images depicting prepubescent minors in sexually explicit conduct around March 9, 2023. Furthermore, the defendant had also accessed and possessed child sexual abuse material from around May 2022 to March 2023.
Judge Baxter has scheduled sentencing for Akers on March 19, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. The law stipulates a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. The actual sentence will be determined based on the seriousness of the offenses and the defendant’s prior criminal history, if any. Pending sentencing, Akers has been continued on bond.
The case against Akers is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold on behalf of the government.
The investigation leading to Akers’ prosecution was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.