Pennsylvania man sentenced to 80 years in federal prison for child sexual abuse crimes involving victims in multiple states

Albany, New York – A Pennsylvania man who admitted to sexually exploiting young children in multiple states and recording the abuse has been sentenced to 80 years in federal prison, bringing an end to a disturbing case that investigators say involved victims in both New York and Texas.

Federal prosecutors announced that Trevor Metterhauser, 41, received the lengthy sentence on May 8, 2026, after pleading guilty to attempted aggravated sexual abuse, aggravated sexual abuse, sexual exploitation of children, and several child pornography possession charges.

Authorities said the crimes involved two toddlers — one living in upstate New York and another in Texas — and spanned several months before Metterhauser was arrested in early 2023.

The sentencing took place in Albany, where prosecutors outlined a pattern of abuse that crossed state lines and involved multiple co-defendants. Along with the prison sentence, United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino ordered lifetime supervised release, restitution payments totaling $78,000 to victims, and a mandatory financial assessment.

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The case was announced by First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Albany Field Office.

According to court documents, Metterhauser had previously been convicted in Pennsylvania in 2011 for possessing child pornography. Prosecutors said that despite that conviction, he later became involved in additional crimes involving direct abuse and the creation of exploitative recordings involving very young children.

Investigators said one part of the case began in November 2022, when Metterhauser allegedly traveled from Pennsylvania to New York and worked with Brandon Whitford in exploiting an approximately four-year-old child.

Federal authorities stated that Metterhauser recorded explicit material involving the child while visiting Whitford’s residence in the Northern District of New York. Prosecutors further alleged that Whitford later sexually assaulted the child, recorded the abuse, and sent the material to Metterhauser electronically.

A separate incident unfolded the following month in Texas, according to investigators.

Prosecutors said Metterhauser coordinated with Carlos Julian Ruiz in December 2022 to assault an approximately two-year-old child and record the abuse. Authorities alleged that Metterhauser traveled from Pennsylvania to Texas specifically for that purpose.

When federal agents arrested him in New York in early 2023, they recovered several electronic devices allegedly containing recordings connected to the Texas assault, explicit material involving the New York child victim, and additional child pornography obtained online.

Federal officials described the evidence uncovered during the investigation as extensive and deeply troubling.

During the sentencing announcement, prosecutors emphasized the severity of the crimes and the long-term harm caused to the victims.

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First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarcone stated: “This defendant deserves to spend every minute of the rest of his life behind bars, and today’s sentence ensures that is just what will happen. Although nothing will take back the monstrosities he inflicted on very young, vulnerable children, I am proud that the FBI and my Office have done everything in our power to stop him and prevent him from victimizing more children. To the families of the victims and parents everywhere, please know that we will stop at nothing to take criminals like this defendant off the street—for good.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Tremaroli also addressed the sentencing, describing the defendant as a dangerous repeat offender whose crimes caused devastating harm.

“This powerful sentence is indicative of the sick and twisted behavior of this prolific predator. Trevor Metterhauser’s horrific abuse spanned multiple states and caused immeasurable harm to the children he hurt. With this sentence, he will now die in federal prison. We would like to thank our colleagues at FBI San Antonio for their assistance with ensuring the victims in this case received justice. FBI Albany’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force will continue to dedicate every resource necessary to investigate and hold accountable these depraved individuals who are preying on our children.”

Authorities confirmed that both Whitford and Ruiz have pleaded guilty to crimes connected to their involvement in the abuse cases.

The investigation was led by FBI Albany and FBI San Antonio. Prosecutors handling the case include Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael D. Gadarian and Benjamin A. Gillis, with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Thompson.

Federal officials also noted that the case was part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide effort focused on investigating and prosecuting crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children.