The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania has announced that two men from Pennsylvania have been indicted on charges related to child exploitation. Kevin Eric Abbott, 39, from Scranton, and Rashaad Khalid Che Taylor, 28, from Milford, face allegations of conspiracy to produce child pornography, online enticement, distribution and possession of child pornography. Additionally, Taylor is charged with committing a felony sex offense while being required to register as a sex offender.
According to the indictment, Abbott and Taylor allegedly conspired over at least 18 months to entice children into producing child pornography. Both men are accused of attempting to entice children online and possessing images and videos of pre-pubescent children engaged in sexual acts. Abbott is also alleged to have distributed child pornography multiple times. Taylor's offenses were reportedly committed while he was registered as a sex offender due to prior convictions in 2016.
The Department of Homeland Security conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luisa Honora Berti is handling the prosecution.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse. The project coordinates federal, state, and local resources to prosecute offenders and rescue victims.
Under federal law, these offenses carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, supervised release after imprisonment, and fines. Sentences are determined by a judge following consideration of federal sentencing statutes and guidelines.
It is important to note that indictments are only allegations; all individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.