Two Pittsburgh residents, Karen R. Allen, 37, and James Clark, 38, have been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges related to the sexual exploitation of children. The indictment alleges that in August 2024, Allen and Clark coerced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions.
The indictment was initially sealed but has since been unsealed following their arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Kezia O. L. Taylor.
According to Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti, “The six-count sealed Indictment was returned last month, and named Karen R. Allen, 37, and James Clark, 38. The Indictment has since been unsealed, and both defendants appeared for arraignment in federal court today before United States Magistrate Judge Kezia O. L. Taylor.”
If convicted, the law mandates a minimum sentence of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison as well as a possible fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing would be determined based on the seriousness of the offenses and any prior criminal history.
Assistant United States Attorney Robert Schupansky is prosecuting the case. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to these charges.
This prosecution falls under Project Safe Childhood—a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 that aims to combat child sexual exploitation by coordinating resources from federal, state, and local agencies to prosecute offenders and rescue victims (more information can be found at https://www.justice.gov/psc).
Authorities remind the public that an indictment is only an accusation; all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
