(File Photo of a Gavel)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today that a resident of Pittsburgh pleaded guilty in federal court yesterday to charges involving the sexual exploitation of a minor.

Twenty-seven-year-old Luke Clements pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor and possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor.

The court was advised in connection with the guilty plea that beginning on August 4th, 2023, and continuing through November 3rd, 2023, Clements coerced a minor through text and social media communications to engage in illegal sexual activity.

Clements also demanded that the minor send him images and videos of the sexual activity and offered the minor small payments in exchange for those items.

A search warrant that was executed at the residence of Clements resulted in the seizure of electronic devices, and his cell phone contained saved images and videos of the minor and revealed numerous other minor victims.

Clements’ sentencing is scheduled for February 2nd, 2027.

He could face a maximum sentence of up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, or both for the cocercion offense, provided by the law.

He could also face a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both, for the possession charge, provided by the law.