A former Pennsylvania state police trooper has pleaded guilty to child pornography charges.
Sean Ryan McKenzie, 38, of Perryopolis, Fayette County, was arrested in March 2022 and charged in federal court last May.
He pleaded guilty on Friday, May 5, 2023.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, McKenzie attempted to coerce a minor to engage in sexual conduct for the purpose of making child pornography. The office said he also knowingly possessed videos and images of child pornography, including that of prepubescent minors under 12 years old, and knowingly transported child pornography in 2020 and 2021.
In 2021, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received information that more than 200 images had been uploaded that were traced to an account at McKenzie’s home address. Investigators questioned him during his shift, after they said they found child pornography on his phone and a zip drive he was carrying.
A sentencing date for McKenzie is set for Aug. 31.
Julia Maruca is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Julia at jmaruca@triblive.com.
