Pennsylvania man pleads guilty to possessing child pornography

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — A Pennsylvania man pleaded guilty to a federal charge of possession of child pornography, following an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

According to court documents, John Stadalnikas, 58, of McKees Rocks, Pa. pleaded guilty to possession of videos and images in computer graphics files, the production of which involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

If convicted, Stadalnikas faces 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He remains in custody pending sentencing, scheduled for May 29, 2012.

This investigation was part of Operation Predator, a nationwide HSI initiative to protect children from sexual predators, including those who travel overseas for sex with minors, Internet child pornographers, criminal alien sex offenders, and child sex traffickers. HSI encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline at 1-866-DHS-2ICE. This hotline is staffed around the clock by investigators.

Suspected child sexual exploitation or missing children may be reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, an Operation Predator partner, at 1-800-843-5678 or http://www.cybertipline.com.