ALBANY, NEW YORK - Christopher J. Pratt, age 53, of Albany, appeared today in federal court on charges that he possessed child pornography.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Vadim D. Thomas, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
The complaint filed against Pratt alleges that two child pornography videos were distributed from a computer at his home. When investigators executed a search warrant at Pratt’s home, they found a computer containing additional child pornography. The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Today, United States Magistrate Judge Christian F. Hummel ordered Pratt detained pending further proceedings.
The charge filed against Pratt carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
This case is being investigated by the FBI and the Albany County Sherriff’s Office, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Solomon B. Shinerock.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
