Man Indicted On Charges For Having Sexual Relationship With A Child

Friday, November 15, 2024, 9:00 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

HARRISBURG, PA.- On Thursday, November 14, 2024, a Federal Grand Jury for the Middle District of Pennsylvania returned an indictment against Joshua Hockenberry, 32, of Maryland, in connection with allegedly carrying on a months-long inappropriate sexual relationship with a young teen girl.

     According to U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment charges Hockenberry with Attempted Production of Child Pornography; Interstate Travel to Engage in Illicit Sexual Contact; Transportation of a Minor; Obstruction of Justice; and Retaliation Against a Witness.

     According to charging information unsealed in the indictment, allege that beginning in March 2024 and lasting through July 2024, Hockenberry carried on a sexual relationship with a minor girl, in which he transported the girl to engage in illicit sexual conduct. The indictment additionally alleges that Hockenberry attempted to have the child produce child pornography, persuaded the girl to delete evidence, and then threatened the girl after she provided incriminating evidence to the police.

     If convicted at trial, Hockenberry faces up to life in federal prison on the charges unsealed in the indictment.

     The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Scalera for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

“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.”