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United States of America v. Joseph Primiero
Date: 01-21-2026
Case Number: 24-cr-00202
Judge: Mark R. Hornak
Court: United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania (Allegheny County)
Plaintiff's Attorney: United States District Attorney’s Office in Pittsburgh
Defendant's Attorney: Lee Rothman
Description:
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with production and attempted production of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, coercion or enticement of a minor, receipt and attempted receipt of material depicitng the sexual exploitation of a minor, and transfer of obscene material to a minor.
On or about January 24, 2022, Primiero produced images, and a video of a minor child engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Then on or about June 27, 2022, Joseph Primiero, 27, once again produced an image and videos of another minor child engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for June 3, 2026. The law provides for a maximum sentence of not less than 15 years and up to 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney V. Joseph Sonson prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
On or about January 24, 2022, Primiero produced images, and a video of a minor child engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Then on or about June 27, 2022, Joseph Primiero, 27, once again produced an image and videos of another minor child engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for June 3, 2026. The law provides for a maximum sentence of not less than 15 years and up to 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney V. Joseph Sonson prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
Outcome:
Plaintiff's Experts:
Defendant's Experts:
Comments:
01/21/2026 34 Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Mark R. Hornak: Change of Plea Hearing as to JOSEPH PRIMIERO held on 1/20/26. (Court Reporter: Amanda Williamson) (bdb) (Entered: 01/21/2026)
01/21/2026 35 PLEA AGREEMENT as to JOSEPH PRIMIERO. (bdb) (Entered: 01/21/2026)
01/21/2026 36 Sealed Plea Supplement as to JOSEPH PRIMIERO, filed in accordance with the Court's Standing Order at Miscellaneous No. 17-447. (bdb) (Entered: 01/21/2026)
01/21/2026 37 GUILTY PLEA ENTERED to Count 1 and Count 5 as to JOSEPH PRIMIERO. (bdb) (Entered: 01/21/2026)
01/21/2026 38 Order of Referral to Probation for Presentence Investigation and Report as to JOSEPH PRIMIERO. Signed by Judge Mark R. Hornak on 1/21/26. (bdb) (Entered: 01/21/2026)
01/21/2026 39 ORDER OF COURT SCHEDULING SENTENCING HEARING as to JOSEPH PRIMIERO. A Sentencing Hearing for the Defendant is hereby SCHEDULED for 6/3/26 at 1:30 PM in Courtroom 6A before Chief Judge Mark R. Hornak. On or before 5/26/26, each party shall file a sentencing memorandum, motions for downward or upward departure, and a joint status report. Signed by Judge Mark R. Hornak on 1/21/26. (bdb) (Entered: 01/21/2026)
01/21/2026 35 PLEA AGREEMENT as to JOSEPH PRIMIERO. (bdb) (Entered: 01/21/2026)
01/21/2026 36 Sealed Plea Supplement as to JOSEPH PRIMIERO, filed in accordance with the Court's Standing Order at Miscellaneous No. 17-447. (bdb) (Entered: 01/21/2026)
01/21/2026 37 GUILTY PLEA ENTERED to Count 1 and Count 5 as to JOSEPH PRIMIERO. (bdb) (Entered: 01/21/2026)
01/21/2026 38 Order of Referral to Probation for Presentence Investigation and Report as to JOSEPH PRIMIERO. Signed by Judge Mark R. Hornak on 1/21/26. (bdb) (Entered: 01/21/2026)
01/21/2026 39 ORDER OF COURT SCHEDULING SENTENCING HEARING as to JOSEPH PRIMIERO. A Sentencing Hearing for the Defendant is hereby SCHEDULED for 6/3/26 at 1:30 PM in Courtroom 6A before Chief Judge Mark R. Hornak. On or before 5/26/26, each party shall file a sentencing memorandum, motions for downward or upward departure, and a joint status report. Signed by Judge Mark R. Hornak on 1/21/26. (bdb) (Entered: 01/21/2026)
About This Case
Which court heard United States of America v. Joseph Primiero?
This case was heard in United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania (Allegheny County), PA. The presiding judge was Mark R. Hornak.
Who were the attorneys in United States of America v. Joseph Primiero?
Plaintiff's attorney: United States District Attorney’s Office in Pittsburgh. Defendant's attorney: Lee Rothman.
When was United States of America v. Joseph Primiero decided?
This case was decided on January 21, 2026.