Evergreen Reporter

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania has announced the indictment of Chase Lawrence, a 23-year-old resident of Lebanon County, Pennsylvania. Lawrence was charged on February 5, 2025, with traveling with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. The case was made public following his initial court appearance.

Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus stated that between December 18, 2022, and October 6, 2023, Lawrence traveled from Lebanon County to Ohio with the intention of engaging in illicit sexual activities with a female under the age of 16.

The investigation into Lawrence's actions was conducted by the Camden Ohio Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney K. Wesley (Wes) Mishoe is handling the prosecution.

This case falls under Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse. The project leverages resources from federal, state, and local authorities to locate and prosecute individuals involved in child exploitation and to rescue victims.

Federal law stipulates that if convicted of the charges against him, Lawrence could face up to 30 years in prison, supervised release post-imprisonment, fines, and special assessments. Sentencing would be determined by a judge based on federal statutes and guidelines.

It is important to note that indictments are allegations; those charged are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.