Maxwell H. Gawley, a 34-year-old resident of Lackawanna, New York, has pleaded guilty to charges of distributing child pornography. The plea was entered before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr., as announced by U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo. The offense carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and could lead to a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan K. Glaberson provided details on the case, stating that in August 2022, Gawley engaged in explicit conversations with a minor via Snapchat. The victim was a 14-year-old male who complied with Gawley's requests for images and discussions about sexual contact. Gawley suggested the possibility of meeting the minor by saying he "might even have to make a road trip ... [come] see you if we were dating." In September 2022, Gawley also shared images and videos of child pornography over Snapchat with another individual.
The investigation leading to this plea involved Homeland Security Investigations under Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan's direction, the New York State Police led by Major Amie Feroleto, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Gawley's sentencing is set for July 8, 2025, before Judge Sinatra.
