A Serbian national studying at a university in Erie, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges related to the sexual exploitation of minors. Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced that Lav Adamov, 20, of Zrenjanin, Serbia, is facing two counts: receipt and possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor.
Adamov, who resides in Syracuse, New York, on a student visa, allegedly received such material between January 13 and May 15, 2025. The indictment also alleges that he was found in possession of similar material in May 2025.
The maximum sentence for the receipt charge is 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The possession charge carries up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing will be determined according to federal guidelines based on the seriousness of the offenses and any prior criminal history.
“An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.”
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting the case. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the City of Erie Police Department, and the university’s police department.
This prosecution falls under Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to address child sexual exploitation and abuse by coordinating efforts among federal, state, and local agencies (https://www.justice.gov/psc).
“Troy Rivetti announced today,” stated Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
