WILLIAMSPORT, PA — In a case that has drawn the attention of law enforcement agencies at both the state and federal levels, a Schuylkill County resident faces serious allegations related to child pornography. Vincent Shaffer, 44, stands indicted on charges that he received and possessed child pornography, as announced by United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam.
The indictment, handed down on March 12, 2024, details allegations against Shaffer for actions purported to have occurred last year. Specifically, it is alleged that on August 20, 2023, Shaffer received child pornography, and further continued to possess such material on December 7, 2023, within Columbia County, Pennsylvania.
This case comes as a result of investigations conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation-RAC Williamsport in conjunction with the Pennsylvania State Police, underscoring the seriousness with which authorities are approaching these allegations. Assistant United States Attorney Tatum R. Wilson has been tasked with prosecuting the case, signaling a robust legal process ahead.
Under federal law, the charges Shaffer faces carry severe penalties. If found guilty, he could be subjected to a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison. There is also a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years, after which a term of supervised release would follow, alongside a potential fine. It is important to note that sentencing, should there be a conviction, will be determined by a judge based on both the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Keep in mind, an indictment does not equate to guilt. Every individual has the presumption of innocence until proven otherwise. As such, Shaffer is presumed innocent unless and until a court of law finds him guilty based on evidence presented during a trial.
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