A Pittsburgh federal grand Jury has indicted former Wampum resident Thomas Hyatt-Baney on three charges related to the sexual exploitation and abuse of minors. News of the charges was announced by United States District Attorney Eric G. Olshan. If convicted, the 21-year-old Hyatt-Baney faces between 15 and 30 years in federal prison, along with a fine of up to $750,000.

Have you been charged with child sex crimes? Regardless of whether the charges are state or federal, the consequences of a conviction will likely include incarceration. You could also be required to put your name into a sex offender registry after release. It's a scary situation, but it's not hopeless. You have the right to counsel. Call the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team at 888-535-3686 or contact us for a confidential consultation!

Suspect Caught by Multi-Agency Taskforce

The federal indictment alleges that Hyatt-Bainey produced both still and video images of a sexually exploitive nature that featured minors on multiple occasions. It also accuses Hyatt-Baney of using pre-pubescent minors under the age of 12 in his photos and videos. Producing the images and possessing them constitute separate offenses under federal law, which is why Hyatt-Bainey is facing multiple charges.

The US Department of Homeland Security Investigation and Pennsylvania State Police coordinated the investigation into Hyatt-Bainey. The evidence they collected was strong enough to result in Hyatt-Baney being charged with the Production of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor and Possession of Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor.

The multi-agency effort was a part of Operation Safe Childhood, which is a Department of Justice initiative that was conceived to reduce child exploitation and sexual abuse nationwide. It relies on a coordinated network of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to identify sexual predators and bring them to justice. Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania Carolyn J. Bloch will prosecute Hyatt-Baney for the Department of Justice.

Legal Defense for Child Sex Crime Accusations

Child safety is a paramount concern for police and prosecutors in every legal jurisdiction. Because of this, cases involving the sexual exploitation and abuse of minors often put law enforcement on a footing where they seek to punish the accused by not only convicting them but also subjecting them to the most punitive legal measures possible. The public shares this view, and they demand swift justice for suspected child predators.

This drive by both the public and the law enforcement community to convict child abusers and predators can result in a legal deck that is stacked highly against the accused. If you've been charged with child sex crimes, it may feel like the whole world is against you, but that isn't the case. You have the right to an attorney, and who you choose to defend you can massively impact the outcome of your case.

The LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team proudly offers our clients determined and effective legal defense, regardless of the charges. Contrary to what police and prosecutors say at press conferences and arraignments, being charged with child sex crimes doesn't mean you are guilty. You have the right to defend yourself, and we're ready to fight for you. Call the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team at 888-535-3686 or contact our team confidentially today!