A resident of Avonmore, Pennsylvania, has pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to the production and possession of images depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The announcement was made by First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti.
Kenneth Bee, 54, entered a guilty plea to Counts One through Four of the indictment before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines. According to information presented in court, Bee produced images involving a minor over several years and, around September 2022, possessed images of prepubescent minors involved in sexually explicit acts.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 24, 2026. The offenses carry a statutory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison, as well as a possible fine of up to $250,000. The actual sentence will be determined according to federal sentencing guidelines based on the seriousness of the crimes and any prior criminal history.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting the case for the government. The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and the Pennsylvania State Police, with support from the Armstrong County District Attorney’s Office and the Indiana County District Attorney’s Office.
The case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative started by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at addressing child sexual exploitation and abuse. The project coordinates efforts among federal, state, and local agencies to investigate and prosecute those who exploit children and to help identify victims. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.justice.gov/psc.
