U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross | U.S. Department of Justice
A Rochester man has been arrested and charged in connection with a case involving two minors. U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced that Ahmed Yaqoob, 24, was taken into custody and faces charges of production and possession of child pornography. These charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and could lead to a maximum of 30 years if convicted.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who is overseeing the case, provided details from the complaint. It states that on October 18, 2024, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence in North Collins following a report of rape involving a minor. The investigation revealed that a 12-year-old girl had started communicating with Yaqoob through the dating app "Pure" on October 17, 2024. They arranged to meet at her home in North Collins.
Upon arrival, Yaqoob picked up both the 12-year-old and her 14-year-old sister. He then drove them to Zoar Valley Road in Concord where he allegedly engaged in sexual activities with both girls. Investigators suspect Yaqoob recorded these acts on his cell phone.
On October 24, investigators searched Yaqoob's phone and found two videos that had been recorded and later deleted, showing the alleged encounters with the victims.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to this case to contact the FBI Buffalo Office at 716-856-7800.
The investigation involved efforts by the Federal Bureau of Investigation under Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office led by Sheriff John Garcia.
It is important to note that being charged with a crime is not an indication of guilt; defendants are presumed innocent until proven otherwise.
