U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo has announced the arrest of Joseph Hudson, III, a 26-year-old resident of Williamson, NY. Hudson faces charges related to the receipt and possession of child pornography following a prior conviction for the sexual abuse of a minor. If found guilty, Hudson could face a minimum of 15 years and up to 40 years in prison, alongside a potential $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi shared that on March 14, 2024, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received information from Microsoft. The tip concerned the upload of nine files, suspected to be child pornography, to a Microsoft platform. The New York State Police, after receiving this information from NCMEC, traced the activity back to Hudson, who is a registered sex offender. His previous conviction was for Sexual Abuse in the First, involving a child under 11 years old.
Authorities executed a search warrant at Hudson's residence, seizing his computer. A forensic examination revealed approximately 198 images and 112 videos of child pornography, many showing acts of violence against children.
Hudson appeared in court today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen and is currently being held pending a detention hearing.
The investigation leading to Hudson's arrest was carried out by the New York State Police, under Major Kevin Sucher's direction, in conjunction with Homeland Security Investigations, led by Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan.
"As with all criminal complaints, it is important to note that a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court."
