John Kelly, an 82-year-old resident of Rome, New York, has pleaded guilty to charges related to child pornography. The announcement was made by United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Kelly admitted that he conspired with Richard Hockersmith in August 2022 to exchange child pornography. The two exchanged an SD card containing illicit material through the mail. During a search on February 23, 2024, authorities found images and videos of child pornography on Kelly's laptop.
Hockersmith had previously pleaded guilty on December 10, 2024, to similar charges.
U.S. Attorney Sarcone emphasized the commitment to prosecuting those involved in distributing child pornography: “We will find and prosecute those who distribute child pornography in the Northern District of New York... This predator will never harm another child again.”
Kelly's sentencing is set for September 10, 2025, before United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci in Albany, New York. He faces a prison term ranging from five to twenty years and a fine up to $250,000. Additionally, Kelly must pay restitution and register as a sex offender after his release.
The investigation was conducted by HSI with help from the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office and the New York State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian S. LaRochelle is handling prosecution under Project Safe Childhood.
Project Safe Childhood aims to combat child sexual exploitation nationwide by coordinating federal, state, and local resources for apprehending offenders and rescuing victims.
