Kurt Dobler, a 31-year-old resident of Onondaga County, appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Mitchell J. Katz on charges related to the receipt of child pornography. Following his initial appearance, Dobler was detained pending further legal proceedings. 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).
According to the complaint, Dobler is accused of receiving child pornography through social media applications, which included graphic depictions involving very young children. These files were reportedly found on his cellphone.
The charge against Dobler remains an accusation at this stage, with a presumption of innocence until proven guilty in court.
If convicted, Dobler faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years imprisonment and could be sentenced to a maximum of 40 years. Additionally, he may face fines up to $250,000 and supervised release ranging from five years to life. Sentencing will be determined by a judge based on applicable statutes and guidelines.
United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III commented on the arrest: “This arrest continues to demonstrate HSI’s hard work to address the scourge of child pornography in our community. The defendant’s actions, as alleged, involved his receipt of disturbing depictions of the exploitation of very young children.”
Erin Keegan added: “Kurt Dobler’s arrest underscores HSI’s unwavering commitment to those most vulnerable: our children. The abhorrent crimes of which the defendant is accused have no place in our society.” She also praised HSI Syracuse personnel and law enforcement partners for their efforts.
The investigation involves coordination between HSI, New York State Police, Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, United States Border Patrol, and Customs and Border Protection. Assistant United States Attorney Michael D. Gadarian is prosecuting the case under Project Safe Childhood.
Project Safe Childhood is an initiative aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse nationwide by leveraging federal, state, and local resources for better prosecution and victim rescue efforts.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
