A federal grand jury in Erie has indicted David Garrett Struchen, 20, of Titusville, Pennsylvania, on charges related to the sexual exploitation of children. The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti.
The indictment alleges that between June and July 2024, Struchen induced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing images of that conduct. He is also accused of possessing these images and distributing them to the minor victim.
If convicted, Struchen faces a maximum sentence of up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000. The actual sentence would depend on the seriousness of the offenses and any prior criminal history.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting the case. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Titusville Police Department.
This case falls under Project Safe Childhood, an initiative started by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse. The program brings together federal, state, and local resources to prosecute offenders and rescue victims. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.justice.gov/psc.
“An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.”
