Scranton Reporter

William S. Welsh, a 28-year-old resident of State College, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges related to the production and possession of child pornography. The indictment was announced on November 5, 2024, by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Welsh is accused of employing a minor for sexually explicit conduct to produce child pornography on January 15, 2023. Additionally, he allegedly possessed images depicting minors in sexually explicit conduct from December 29, 2021, through April 4, 2024.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Assistant United States Attorney Sarah R. Lloyd is leading the prosecution.

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse. The project coordinates resources at federal, state, and local levels to prosecute offenders and rescue victims.

Under federal law, the maximum penalty for these offenses includes up to 30 years in prison, supervised release after imprisonment, and fines. Sentencing will be determined by a judge following applicable statutes and guidelines.

It is important to note that indictments are allegations; all charged individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.