PA Attorney General: Philadelphia Man Sentenced For Child Porn, Now Faces New Human Trafficking Charges



by Dan Doyle-

A Philadelphia man described as a “sexually violent predator” by a Philadelphia County Judge has been sentenced Friday, May 30, 2025, to 18 to 36 years in state prison for possessing child sexual abuse material while he was already on parole for previous convictions, according to a statement released by Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday.

Craig Coleman, a repeat sex offender, was sentenced on Thursday after pleading guilty to felony sexual abuse of children. His designation as a “sexually violent predator” means he will be required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life.

Attorney General Sunday emphasized the importance of the sentence in safeguarding the community. “This predator is a potential danger to every child in his proximity,” Sunday said. “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. 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.”

The case dates back to 2023, when Coleman was charged with possessing child sexual abuse material. At that time, he was already on parole for a 2017 conviction of manufacturing child pornography and statutory sexual assault.

However, the story doesn’t end there. While out on bail for the 2023 charges, Coleman allegedly contacted a girl online in February of this year and sexually abused her repeatedly after learning her age. Authorities say he paid the girl and recorded some of the conduct, then attempted to intimidate her into not cooperating with the police investigation.

Coleman now faces an array of new charges stemming from this case, including human trafficking, unlawful contact with a minor, manufacturing child pornography, statutory sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, corruption of minors, and intimidation of witnesses or victims. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for July 22.

The ongoing prosecution of Coleman’s new charges is being led by Senior Deputy Attorney General Michelle Laucella of the Attorney General’s Child Predator Section. While criminal charges are merely allegations at this stage, Attorney General Sunday’s office has pledged to continue aggressive efforts to protect children and bring perpetrators to justice.

The case is a stark reminder of the challenges law enforcement faces in stopping repeat offenders and safeguarding vulnerable victims from exploitation and abuse.