Freedom Resident Pleads Guilty to Receiving Material Depicting Sexual Exploitation of Minor

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Freedom, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court on June 25, 2024, to a charge of receipt of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Mark Kriss, 64, pleaded guilty to one count before Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that Kriss made contact with a 14-year-old minor over an online adult dating site targeted at extramarital affairs and, on May 22, 2021, received digital photographs from the minor depicting her sexual exploitation. Kriss also acknowledged responsibility for meeting the minor for the purpose of engaging in sex acts at a local motel.

Chief Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for October 29, 2024. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Northern Regional Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Kriss.