Former SEPTA officer sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for watching and sharing child pornography while on duty.

A former police officer of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for his involvement in child pornography. Brian Zenszer, 44, of Warminster, pled guilty earlier this year to charges related to soliciting and viewing sexually explicit material depicting minors, including prepubescent children, through the messaging application Kik.

The sentencing, delivered by U.S. District Judge Harvey Bartle III, underscored the severity of Zenszer’s actions. Bartle described the nature of Zenszer’s crimes as “very, very grave, and indeed abominable,” noting that while Zenszer was not directly accused of physically abusing children, the act of sharing such videos contributed to immense emotional and psychological harm to the victims. Bartle articulated the long-lasting consequences for the children involved, stating, “There are a lot of young girls out there who may likely be scarred emotionally and psychologically for the rest of their lives.”

During the proceedings, Zenszer expressed remorse, claiming he was “eternally sorry” for his actions. He cited a struggle with severe depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, which he attributed to a 17-year career in law enforcement. Zenszer explained that instead of seeking professional help, he turned to online platforms as an escape from his trauma, eventually leading him down a path where he sought increasingly harmful content.

Testimonies from his mother and girlfriend indicated their belief that Zenszer’s crimes stemmed from untreated mental health issues linked to his stressful career. They described him as contrite and capable of rehabilitation. However, Judge Bartle maintained that the nature of the offenses warranted a significant sentence, emphasizing the importance of accountability in such serious matters.

Zenszer, who was in charge of foot patrols across the SEPTA system at the time of his arrest, was terminated following the charges against him. Federal authorities revealed that he utilized Kik to solicit, share, and discuss numerous files depicting the abuse of children. He reportedly admitted to detectives that two Kik accounts containing explicit materials belonged to him and acknowledged that some of his illicit activities occurred while he was on duty. Zenszer pleaded guilty in April and has been in custody since his arrest.

This case brings to light critical issues surrounding the mental health of law enforcement personnel and the escalating problem of child exploitation online. As communities continue to confront these challenges, the legal system’s response underscores the necessity of both justice and the need for comprehensive mental health support for those in demanding public service roles.

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