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Pennsylvania Man Pleads Guilty to Multi-State Child Exploitation Crimes
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A Pennsylvania man has admitted to horrific crimes spanning multiple states, including the sexual exploitation of two toddlers, in a case that federal authorities are calling deeply disturbing. Trevor Metterhauser, 41, pled guilty on November 13, 2025, to charges including attempted aggravated sexual abuse, aggravated sexual abuse, sexual exploitation of children, and multiple counts of possession of child pornography.
A Pattern of Abuse Across State lines
The case, investigated by the FBI’s Albany and San Antonio field offices, reveals a calculated pattern of abuse orchestrated by Metterhauser. According to court documents, Metterhauser previously faced a conviction in Pennsylvania in 2011 for possessing child pornography, demonstrating a long-standing involvement with illicit material.
In November 2022, Metterhauser conspired with Brandon Whitford to sexually exploit a 4-year-old girl in the Northern District of New York. He traveled to Whitford’s residence and recorded the child, after which Whitford perpetrated a sexual assault, recorded it, and sent the content to Metterhauser.
The following month, in December 2022, Metterhauser reached an agreement with carlos Julian Ruiz to sexually assault a 2-year-old child in Texas, traveling to the state to commit the crime and record the abuse.
Evidence Recovered During arrest
When authorities arrested Metterhauser in the Northern District of New York in early 2023, they recovered multiple electronic devices containing recordings of the abuse of the Texas victim, child pornography received from Whitford depicting the New York victim, and additional illicit material obtained online.
“The defendant’s admitted conduct is horrendous beyond description,” stated a senior official from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. “This plea provides much needed finality and certainty for the victims and ensures that this risky predator never terrorizes another child. My office and our law enforcement partners will relentlessly pursue pedophiles who target our innocent children for thier own twisted sexual gratification.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge craig L. Tremaroli echoed this sentiment, stating, “Trevor Metterhauser is one of the most disturbing predators FBI Albany has investigated. His sinister crimes spanned multiple states, and the details of his abuse are truly horrific. His admission now ensures he will spend the rest of his life locked up in federal prison. Today, our thoughts are with the children he harmed through his appalling actions. The FBI remains fiercely dedicated to aggressively investigating dangerous predators like Mr. Metterhauser who victimize our most vulnerable.”
Sentencing and Ongoing Prosecution
If accepted by the district court, the plea agreement stipulates an 80-year prison sentence for Metterhauser, followed by a lifetime of supervised release. He will also face a fine of up to $250,000, forfeiture of the devices used in the crimes, restitution to the victims, and mandatory registration as a sex offender.
Whitford and Ruiz have both pled guilty to offenses related to their involvement in the abuse, and their sentencing dates are pending.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative dedicated to combating child sexual exploitation and abuse. more details about Project Safe Childhood
