Man pleads guilty to exploitation of children

Staff report

PITTSBURGH

A New Castle, Pa., man has pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court here to charges of violating federal child exploitation laws.

Robert S. Cessar, the acting U.S. attorney, said Michael Penwell, 41, of East Lincoln Avenue, pleaded guilty Monday to three counts of child exploitation before District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose.

Craig W. Haller, an assistant U.S. attorney, told the court that between January 2008 and October 16, 2008, Penwell produced, transported, and possessed visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

Judge Ambrose scheduled sentencing for July 8. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of at least 15 years and up to 60 years in prison, a fine of $750,000, or both.

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Pennsylvania State Police, and New Castle Police Department conducted the investigation that led to Penwell’s prosecution.