Marcell M. Meyer, a South African citizen residing in Sackets Harbor, New York, was arraigned in federal court on charges of distribution of child pornography. This announcement was made by U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
The criminal complaint alleges that Meyer used a social networking application on his mobile phone to distribute child pornography to other users, including individuals identifying as children. Notably, Meyer allegedly shared such material with an undercover HSI agent, who Meyer believed was a 13-year-old girl.
It is important to note that the charges are accusations, and Meyer is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Upon conviction, Meyer could face a prison sentence ranging from 5 to 20 years, a fine up to $250,000, and supervised release from 5 years to life. Meyer would also need to register as a sex offender after his release and may confront immigration repercussions. Sentencing will be determined by a judge considering the specific statute violated, U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other relevant factors.
This case was investigated by HSI offices in Syracuse and Portland, Maine, with support from the New York State Police and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian S. LaRochelle as part of Project Safe Childhood.
Project Safe Childhood aims to combat the rising problem of child sexual exploitation and abuse. It is led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, utilizing federal, state, and local resources to find, apprehend, and prosecute offenders and help rescue victims. More information can be found at https://www.justice.gov/psc.
