The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania has announced the sentencing of Louis Bradley Wetzel, a 41-year-old resident of Howard, Pennsylvania. Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann sentenced Wetzel to 360 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release. This sentence comes after charges related to the production of child pornography and online enticement of a minor for illegal sexual activity. Additionally, Wetzel has been ordered to pay $50,000 in restitution to his victims.
Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus stated that an ongoing investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Williamsport led to the discovery of a large amount of child sexual exploitation material at Wetzel’s home during a search warrant executed in December 2023. A forensic examination revealed conversations between Wetzel and a 12-year-old minor where he coerced the child into producing and distributing child pornography. Furthermore, during these chats, Wetzel claimed he could offer children for sale to other adults for sexual acts.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Luisa Honora Berti.
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 brings together federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children sexually while also identifying and rescuing victims.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
