Brian Zenszer, a former SEPTA police officer from Warminster, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for possession and distribution of child pornography. United States District Judge Harvey Bartle III also ordered Zenszer to serve seven years of supervised release and pay $32,000 in restitution.
Zenszer was indicted in December 2024 and pleaded guilty in April to one count each of distributing and possessing child pornography. At the time of his arrest, he was employed as a SEPTA police officer.
According to court documents and statements by Zenszer, he distributed an image involving a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct on July 21, 2024. On November 6, 2024, authorities found that he possessed a Samsung cell phone containing images of minors under the age of 12 involved in similar acts.
The investigation began after two CyberTips were submitted to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding suspicious activity on two Kik messaging app accounts. Investigators traced both accounts back to Zenszer.
“Brian Zenszer broke the law while sworn to uphold it, and the nature of his crimes is truly abhorrent,” said U.S. Attorney Metcalf. “Those who trade images of children being sexually abused perpetuate the victimization of the vulnerable, and, like Zenszer, they must be held accountable.”
“Crimes like these are among the most egregious offenses the FBI investigates, and protecting the vulnerable remains one of our top priorities,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia. “This sentencing is a testament to the diligent and unceasing work of the FBI and our law enforcement partners in pursuing justice. We will continue to hold offenders accountable for their crimes and safeguard the innocent from predators.”
“The sentencing of Brian Zenszer sends a clear message that those who engage in the abhorrent act of child pornography will be held accountable,” said Bucks County District Attorney Jennifer Schorn. “We are committed to working with our federal partners, like the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, to relentlessly pursue and prosecute individuals who exploit children, ensuring justice for victims and protecting the most vulnerable members of our community.”
The case falls under Project Safe Childhood—a Department of Justice initiative started in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation through coordinated efforts between federal prosecutors such as United States Attorneys’ Offices; state agencies; local resources; as well as entities including CEOS—to locate suspects using online platforms for such activities while focusing on identifying victims (more information can be found at https://www.projectsafechildhood.gov/).
The investigation was conducted by both FBI agents and personnel from Bucks County District Attorney’s Office; Assistant United States Attorney Maureen McCartney led prosecution efforts.
