A Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania resident has pleaded guilty in federal court to charges involving the sexual exploitation of minors, according to an announcement by United States Attorney Troy Rivetti.
Robert Bookshar, 49, entered a guilty plea to two counts before United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV on March 3, 2026. The court was informed that between September 2021 and June 2023, Bookshar communicated with an online criminal organization offering child sexual abuse material. This included “Ultimate Packages,” which investigators found consisted of seven videos and 30 images showing a nude minor female involved in sexually explicit acts. The organization also provided a “menu” listing minor females available for live video calls in which new abusive material could be created.
Bookshar requested images, videos, and participated in live video calls depicting child sexual abuse through social media applications. He paid for this material using gift cards or mobile payment apps. According to the plea agreement, he admitted to inducing two minors—one on August 23, 2022, and another on May 12, 2023—to create child sexual abuse material during live video sessions.
Judge Stickman set sentencing for July 8, 2026. Bookshar faces up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 or both. The actual sentence will depend on the seriousness of the offenses and any prior criminal history under federal Sentencing Guidelines. Bookshar remains in custody until sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is handling the prosecution for the government.
The investigation leading to Bookshar’s prosecution was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation along with police departments from Allegheny County (Pennsylvania), Tampa (Florida), and Colorado Springs (Colorado).
This case falls under Project Safe Childhood—a nationwide Department of Justice initiative started in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse by coordinating efforts among federal, state, and local agencies. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.justice.gov/psc.
