A Canonsburg, Pennsylvania resident, Justin Darby, 37, has admitted guilt in federal court for charges related to the sexual exploitation of minors, as disclosed by Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti.
Darby appeared before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan and pleaded guilty to two counts concerning his actions. According to court advisories, in late October 2021, Darby knowingly destroyed evidence on his phone to impede an investigation into offenses involving the sexual exploitation of minors. Further incidents cited by the court include attempts and actions by Darby on February 6, 2024, and three other occasions, to induce minors into sexually explicit activities for visual documentation.
The sentencing is scheduled for August 25, 2025. Under legal provisions, the sentence may range from 15 to 30 years in prison, with an optional fine of up to $250,000. The final sentence will consider the gravity of the offenses and Darby's criminal history.
Meanwhile, Darby remains in custody awaiting sentencing. The prosecution is led by Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan.
The investigation, conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations, resulted in Darby's prosecution. This case highlights Project Safe Childhood's efforts, an initiative by the Department of Justice launched in May 2006, targeting the sexual exploitation and abuse of children. It functionalizes resources from federal, state, and local levels to apprehend perpetrators and rescue victims.
Additional information regarding Project Safe Childhood is available at www.justice.gov/psc.