Man Used Fake Modeling Agency To Create Child Porn In PA: Feds

PENNSYLVANIA — A man used a child modeling agency as a ruse to get children alone, sexually abuse them, and create child pornography in Pennsylvania and elsewhere around the globe, according to the federal authorities.

Joseph Willard, 59, of Cole Camp, Missouri, was convicted in federal court in eastern Pennsylvania this week of 12 counts of various child exploitation offenses.

“His actions are some of the most heinous offenses prosecuted by this office," U.S. Attorney Jacqueline Romero said in announcing his conviction.

Willard's fake modeling agency claimed to have offices in major cities, ranging New York City to Milan, Italy, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.

He traveled across the country in a conversion van, and used his position to get children alone to sexually assault and video them, authorities said.

In addition to Pennsylvania, he created child pornography in several other states, including Florida, Tennessee, and his home state of Missouri, according to officials.

Sentencing on ths case is forthcoming.

"With his hideous crimes, this predator has forfeited his right to walk among us," Jacqueline Maguire, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division, said in a statement. "It will be gratifying day when his sentence is handed down and that cell door clangs shut behind him."

Willard was arrested and charged in Aug. 2019.

The FBI worked with the U.S. Attorney's Office and local authorities in prosecuting the case.