A Pennsylvania man has been sentenced to 40 years in federal prison for sexually exploiting a minor, Acting U.S. Attorney Catherine L. Crosby announced.

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Robert John Newman, Jr. of Glenshaw, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Anna M. Manasco to 480 months in prison, followed by a life term of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a $5,000 special assessment under the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Act. Newman had pleaded guilty in October 2025 to charges including sexual exploitation of children, coercion and enticement of a minor, and travel with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.

According to court documents, Newman targeted a 14-year-old victim online between December 30, 2024, and January 4, 2025, using social media to befriend and coerce her into sending child sexual abuse material. On January 4, Newman traveled more than 700 miles from Pennsylvania to the minor’s residence in northern Alabama intending to engage in sexual activity with her. The victim’s mother confronted him in her daughter’s bedroom, and Newman fled back to Pennsylvania.

Newman was arrested on January 22, 2025, on Alabama state warrants for electronic solicitation, traveling to meet a minor for an unlawful sexual act, production and distribution of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. Evidence seized from his iPhone revealed communications with the Alabama victim as well as another minor, an 11-year-old female in Colorado, indicating he had additional victims.

Federal authorities said the investigation demonstrates the use of digital evidence to identify and hold accountable individuals who exploit children across state lines.