Former SEPTA Police Officer Sentenced To 12 Years For Child Pornography Offenses
by Dan Doyle | July 29, 2025
PHILADELPHIA, PA — A former SEPTA police officer from Bucks County has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for distributing and possessing child pornography, federal authorities announced Tuesday.
Brian Zenszer, 44, of Warminster, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Harvey Bartle III to 144 months’ imprisonment, followed by seven years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $32,000 in restitution to victims.
Zenszer, who was employed as a SEPTA police officer at the time of the offenses, pleaded guilty back in April to one count of distribution and one count of possession of child pornography. He was indicted in December 2024 following an investigation sparked by two Cyber-Tips submitted to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
According to court documents and admissions made by Zenszer, he distributed child pornography via the Kik messaging app on July 21, 2024. Later, on November 6, 2024, he was found in possession of a Samsung phone containing graphic images of minors, including prepubescent children under the age of 12 engaged in sexually explicit acts. Investigators linked two Kik accounts that uploaded illicit material directly to Zenszer.
“Brian Zenszer broke the law while sworn to uphold it, and the nature of his crimes is truly abhorrent,” said U.S. Attorney David Metcalf. “Those who trade images of children being sexually abused perpetuate the victimization of the vulnerable, and, like Zenszer, they must be held accountable.”
FBI Philadelphia Special Agent in Charge Wayne A. Jacobs emphasized the seriousness of the case. “Crimes like these are among the most egregious offenses the FBI investigates. This sentencing is a testament to the diligent and unceasing work of the FBI and our law enforcement partners in pursuing justice.”
Bucks County District Attorney Jennifer Schorn also condemned the former officer’s actions. “The sentencing of Brian Zenszer sends a clear message that those who engage in the abhorrent act of child pornography will be held accountable. We are committed to working with our federal partners to ensure justice for victims and protect the most vulnerable members of our community.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maureen McCartney as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice to combat child exploitation and abuse. The investigation was led by the FBI and the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office.
More information on Project Safe Childhood is available at www.projectsafechildhood.gov.