CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051
BUFFALO, N.Y. - Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Michael Secchiaroli, 31, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with distribution and possession of child pornography. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case, stated that on Dec. 28, 2015, an undercover law enforcement officer discovered 14 image files of child pornography online that depicted naked images of pre-pubescent girls. The files were traced to an internet address connected to the defendant.
On March 29, 2016, officers executed a search warrant at Secchiaroli’s residence and seized multiple electronic devices including two laptops and an external hard drive. A forensic examination uncovered 40 image files containing child pornography.
The defendant made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was released on electronic monitoring.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction on the part of Special Agent-in-Charge Adam S. Cohen.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. #
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
