Evergreen Reporter

A Russellton, Pennsylvania resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh for charges related to the sexual exploitation of minors. Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced that Michael Rearick, 43, is the sole defendant in the two-count indictment.

The indictment alleges that between April 21 and April 23, 2023, Rearick transported a minor from Pennsylvania to Canada with the intent for the minor to engage in criminal and illicit sexual activity.

Federal law provides for a maximum sentence ranging from no less than 10 years up to life imprisonment and a fine of $250,000. The actual sentence will depend on the seriousness of the offenses and any prior criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case. The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations-Pittsburgh, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, and the West Deer Township Police Department.

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse. The project involves federal, state, and local resources to locate and prosecute individuals who exploit children and rescue victims. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.justice.gov/psc.

It is important to note that an indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.