A Buffalo man has pleaded guilty to charges related to child pornography. U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced that Alexander J. Weidner, aged 35, admitted to possessing child pornography involving a prepubescent minor. The offense carries a potential maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas A.C. Penrose, who explained that the investigation began when child pornography was uploaded to Snapchat and Instagram accounts linked to Weidner. On February 28, 2023, authorities executed a federal search warrant at his residence. During the search, two cellular phones were seized containing approximately 4,843 images and 371 videos depicting child pornography. Some of these materials involved minors under the age of 12 engaged in explicit conduct.
Furthermore, it was revealed that Weidner used the Session application on two occasions to upload and share a video file containing child pornography with another user of the app.
The investigation leading to Weidner's plea involved multiple agencies: the Federal Bureau of Investigation under Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia; the New York State Police led by Major Amie Feroleto; and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Sentencing for Weidner is set for July 29, 2025, at 9:30 a.m., presided over by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
