Matthew A. Steele, a 53-year-old resident of Elma, NY, has pleaded guilty to charges of production and possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo. Steele entered his guilty plea before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. and faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years, with a maximum of 30 years, along with a potential fine of $250,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who is prosecuting the case, detailed that between 2008 and 2010, Steele produced explicit images of a female minor. These images were created from when the victim was around nine until she was approximately twelve. Steele distributed some of these images to other unidentified parties. A search warrant executed on March 11, 2024, revealed numerous explicit images of the victim on Steele's electronic devices. Additionally, investigators found 45 images unrelated to the victim but depicted prepubescent minors and violent acts against children.
The investigation was a collaborative effort involving Homeland Security Investigations, led by Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, the New York State Police under Major Amie Feroleto, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Sentencing for Steele is set for August 13, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., overseen by Judge Sinatra.
