An Altoona, Pennsylvania man has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possessing and distributing images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Jonathan Hunt, 44, received a sentence of 108 months in prison followed by ten years of supervised release. The sentencing was announced by First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti.
Hunt entered his guilty plea before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines on October 21, 2025. According to court records, Hunt distributed images of minors engaged in sexually explicit acts using materials transported across state or international lines on February 16, 2021. Additionally, on October 19, 2021, he possessed similar illegal images that involved prepubescent children.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations.
First Assistant United States Attorney Rivetti said, “Homeland Security Investigations is commended for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Hunt.”
The prosecution was part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative started by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse by coordinating resources among federal, state, and local agencies. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.justice.gov/psc.
