James Yerdon, a 54-year-old resident of Adams Center, New York, has been charged with possession of child pornography. The announcement was made by United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and New York State Police (NYSP) Superintendent Steven G. James.
The charges against Yerdon include a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and could lead to a maximum sentence of 20 years. Additionally, he faces a potential fine of up to $250,000 and a term of supervised release ranging from five years to life. Sentencing will be determined by a judge based on the specific statute violated, U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other relevant factors.
Yerdon appeared for an arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Thérèse Wiley Dancks in Syracuse, New York. He is currently detained pending further proceedings.
The complaint alleges that during an investigation by NYSP and HSI into allegations of Yerdon's involvement in the sexual abuse of a child, authorities conducted a search at his home on May 13, 2025. During this search, they discovered multiple images and videos depicting child pornography on Yerdon's cellphone. These materials included content showing the sexual abuse of children as young as five months old. It is important to note that these charges are accusations; Yerdon is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III expressed gratitude for the efforts of HSI and NYSP in this investigation: “We thank HSI and the NYSP for their dedication and tireless work on this investigation. The defendant’s actions, as alleged, targeted infants and children, the most vulnerable amongst us. I will not stand for it.”
Erin Keegan from HSI Buffalo commented on the case: “James Yerdon is accused of preying upon defenseless victims–babies and children–for his own despicable sexual gratification,” adding that public safety remains a priority for law enforcement agencies involved.
NYSP Superintendent Steven G. James emphasized their zero-tolerance policy towards child pornography: “The State Police have zero tolerance for anyone involved in child pornography... The charge in this case reflects the severity of the crime and our commitment to finding justice for the victims.”
The investigation was conducted by HSI and NYSP with prosecution led by Assistant United States Attorney Adrian LaRochelle under Project Safe Childhood—a nationwide initiative aimed at combating child sexual exploitation.
Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state, and local resources to locate individuals exploiting children online while also identifying victims needing rescue efforts across America.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood visit https://www.justice.gov/psc
