Daniel Avetta, 28, of Catawissa has been indicted on several federal child pornography charges, the U.S. Attorney’s Office reported.
Between Jan. 1 and April 3, Avetta allegedly used the name “Jessica Gable” online to meet minors and persuade them to engage in sexual activity, U.S. Attorney’s Office spokeswoman Terri Dougherty said.
Avetta allegedly coerced 10 minors to produce photos or videos showing themselves nude or engaging in sexual activities, and Avetta reportedly convinced them to send the photos and videos to him over the internet, according to the indictment.
In addition, Avetta reportedly had sexual contact with at least two of the victims, the report said.
The case involved minors younger than 17 from several counties, including Jefferson, Franklin, Washington and Iron counties, Franklin County Sheriff Steve Pelton said.
The case was investigated by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI. Assistant U.S. attorney Colleen Lang is handling the case, the report said.
According to a written statement from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Avetta was arrested Nov. 17 following an investigation that began in March.
Pelton urges any parents who believes their child may have had contact with Avetta through his alleged fake online profile to contact the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office at 636-583-2560.
Avetta has been indicted on four counts of production of child pornography, six counts of receipt of child pornography and two counts of online enticement of a minor.
If convicted, a production charge carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000; a receipt charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and an online enticement of a minor charge carries a penalty of not less than 10 years to life in prison, the U.S. Attorney’s Office reported.
Avetta currently is being held by the U.S. Marshals Service, Dougherty said Wednesday (Nov. 22).