HARRISBURG — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle), published as received.

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that James Shirley, age 33, of Enola, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on child exploitation charges. 

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges Shirley attempted to coerce and entice a minor to produce child pornography between June and July of 2025. The indictment also alleges Shirley produced child pornography in February 2026 depicting a separate minor than previously alleged. The indictment further alleges Shirley possessed child pornography involving a prepubescent minor on June 11, 2026. 

Shirley had his arraignment and initial appearance on the indictment on July 1, 2026. He is currently in custody pending trial. 

The FBI investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Stephen W. Dukes is prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. 

The maximum penalty under federal law for the charges alleged is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The production of child pornography offense also carries a mandatory minimum term of 15 years imprisonment. A sentence following the finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

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