LUZERNE COUNTY MAN ADMITS TO USING INTERNET
TO ATTEMPT TO PERSUADE MINOR TO HAVE SEX

Martin C. Carlson, Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, announced that a Nanticoke man pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge Edwin M. Kosik to using the internet to attempt to persuade, induce, and entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual conduct.

Carlson stated that Branden Holena, age 21, admitted to having online chat sessions during April 2007 in an effort to entice a 14-year old to meet him for sex. Holena admitted to arranging to meet with a 14-year old in Luzerne County on April 25, 2007. Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Nanticoke Police arrested Holena as he arrived at the pre-arranged meeting location.

Holena was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 1, 2007. Holena’s prosecution resulted from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Nanticoke Police.

Carlson noted that Holena faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, a potential maximum sentence of life in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, a special assessment of $100, and could be placed on supervised release for life after serving his prison sentence.

Holena is detained in prison without bail pending sentencing in the case.

Carlson noted that the investigation and prosecution of Holena are part of the Justice Department’s Project Safe Childhood initiative. In February 2006, the Attorney General created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

Carlson noted that the case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa.

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