Pennsylvania man pleads guilty to possessing child pornography

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — Following an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), a Pennsylvania man pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography.

Joseph Yingling, 40, of Osterburg, Pa., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Kim R. Gibson to one count of possession of child pornography.

According to the investigation, Yingling knowingly possessed pictures and videos in individual computer graphic files which were produced using minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The computer graphic files were shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.

Yingling faces 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Sentencing is scheduled for January 29, 2013.

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 or by completing its online tip form. Both are staffed around the clock by investigators.

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