Pittsburgh Couple Charged With Sexual Exploitation of Children

Sunday, August 17, 2025, 3:45 P.M. ET. 1 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

PITTSBURGH, PA.- A 38-year-old man and a 37-year-old woman, both residents of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, are each facing up to 30 years in federal prison after they were charged on Friday by federal indictment with allegedly coercing a child to engage in sexually explicit conduct to create digital images and video files depicting child pornography.

     According to Acting U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti, last month, a Federal Grand Jury for the Western District of Pennsylvania returned an indictment charging James Clark, 38, and Karen R. Allen, 37, both of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with sex counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Child. Both Clark and Allen appeared before U.S. Magistrate Court Judge Kezia O.L. Taylor in Federal Court in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on Friday, August 15, 2025, and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

According To The Charging Information Filed In The Indictment

     According to the charging information unsealed in the indictment, it is alleged that on multiple occasions in August 2024, both Clark and Allen coerced, enticed, and persuaded a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing digital images and video files depicting the sexual exploitation and abuse og the child.

     If convicted at trial, both Clark and Allen each face a mandatory minimum of fifteen years and up to 30 years in federal prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $500,000. When sentenced, upon a finding of guilt, a U.S. District Court Judge would determine the term of imprisonment based on the seriousness of the offenses and Clark and Allen’s prior criminal histories, if any.

“The rules of the court require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.”