PITTSBURGH – A suburban Pittsburgh man has pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of attempted receipt of material involving the sexual exploitation of minors, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Vikash Mishra, age 41, formerly of Ross Township, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Christy Criswell Wiegand.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from on or about October 30, 2021, until on or about Feb. 25, 2022, Mishra used cellular telephone networks and the internet to knowingly attempt to receive material involving the sexual exploitation of minors.
Judge Wiegand scheduled sentencing for March 7, 2023. The law provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000.00, supervised release for any term of years not less than five and up to life. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the Judge ordered the defendant remain detained.
Assistant United States Attorney Robert C. Schupansky is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Mishra.