Repeat Sex Offender faces more charges for child trafficking

PHILADELPHIA (WPHL) — A Philadelphia County judge sentenced Craig Coleman 18 to 36 years in prison for possessing child sexual abuse material, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced on Friday. This sentencing comes while Coleman was on parole from a prior conviction, highlighting a disturbing patten of continued offenses.

The sentencing was handed down following Coleman’s guilty plea to felony sexual abuse of children. The judge also designated Coleman as a “sexually violent predator,” mandating lifetime registration as a sex offender.

“This predator is a potential danger to every child in his proximity,” Attorney General Sunday stated in a press release. “He has proven time and time again that he will not be deterred from targeting and harming children–even while on parole or bail conditions.”

Coleman’s criminal history is extensive. In 2017, he was convicted of manufacturing child pornography and statutory sexual assault. While on parole for these offenses, he was charged in 2023 with possessing child sexual abuse material. Alarmingly, while out on bail for the 2023 charges, Coleman contacted a minor online, became aware of her age, and proceeded to sexually abuse her repeatedly. He paid the girl, recorded some of the conduct, and attempted to prevent her from cooperating with law enforcement.

As a result, Colemen faces additional charges, including human trafficking, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, unlawful contact with a minor, manufacturing child pornography, statutory sexual assault, corruption of minors and intimidation of witnesses or victims. A pretrial hearing for these charges is scheduled for July 22.

This case underscores the ongoing efforts by the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office to protect children and hold repeat offenders accountable. Attorney Gerneral Sunday reaffirmed his commitment in the press release stating, “One of my core missions as Attorney General is to protect children, and our Child Predator Section will continue with proactive investigations to stop offenders.”

Senior Deputy Attorney General Michelle Laucella of the Child Predator Section is prosecuting the case. The Attorney General’s Office emphasized that criminal charges are merely allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.