Pa. man convicted in child porn case

PHILADELPHIA, May 13 (UPI) -- A Pennsylvania man has been convicted of advertising, transporting, receiving and possessing child pornography, officials said Wednesday.

Robert Merz of Philadelphia had hundreds of thousands of images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of minors as young as toddlers at his home, the U.S. Justice Department said in a statement.

Authorities said Merz created and administered an Internet group that was dedicated to trading images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of minors.

"Mr. Merz, simply by using the Internet, collected and distributed hundreds of thousands of images and videos of some of the most horrific and unimaginable criminal acts committed against children," said Lanny Breuer, assistant attorney general of the Criminal Division. "These images aren't just abstract representations. They are depictions of real crimes committed against those who are most deserving or our protection."

Merz, 45, has two prior convictions for the molestation of two young girls on separate occasions.

His sentencing has been set for July 13. He faces a mandatory minimum of 35 years and up to life in prison as well as a fine up to $250,000.