Macungie Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Child Exploitation Crimes

Court News

PHILADELPHIA, PA — A Lehigh County man will spend the next three decades behind bars following his conviction on federal child exploitation charges. George “Travis” Woodfield, 41, of Macungie, was sentenced Monday, July 28, to 360 months in prison and a lifetime of supervised release after pleading guilty to transporting a minor with the intent to engage in sexual activity and accessing child pornography.

United States District Judge Joseph F. Leeson Jr. handed down the sentence in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. In addition to prison time, Woodfield was ordered to pay $12,000 in restitution.

The conviction stems from a 2018 incident in which Woodfield transported an 11-year-old child across state lines to New York City, where he sexually abused the minor during an overnight stay at a hotel. Federal prosecutors detailed that the conduct was part of a broader pattern of behavior: between September 2015 and July 2024, Woodfield accessed numerous files depicting the sexual abuse of children, including prepubescent victims.

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“Woodfield didn’t just view images of child sexual abuse, he sought out sex with a child,” said U.S. Attorney David Metcalf. “The sexual exploitation of children causes unthinkable harm. While prosecuting a predator like Woodfield can’t undo that damage, his prison sentence prevents him from causing further harm and provides his victim justice.”

Federal investigators began pursuing the case following disturbing digital evidence and victim disclosures. FBI personnel from the Philadelphia Field Office’s Allentown Resident Agency and FBI Richmond collaborated closely with the Department of Justice’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and the High-Tech Investigations Unit.

“The exploitation of children remains among the most heinous crimes we investigate,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia. “Let today’s sentencing send a message: if you prey upon our most vulnerable, you will be found and you will be brought to justice.”

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The investigation and prosecution were led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca J. Kulik, CEOS Senior Trial Attorney Jennifer Toritto Leonardo, and CEOS Trial Attorney Jessica L. Urban.

Woodfield was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2023 and pleaded guilty in March of this year. His conviction marks a significant step in federal efforts to combat child sexual exploitation, an area where law enforcement continues to prioritize aggressive investigation and prosecution.

Woodfield remains in federal custody and will begin serving his 30-year sentence immediately.

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