U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced the arrest of Kevin Burns, a 45-year-old resident of Irondequoit, New York. Burns faces charges related to the receipt and possession of child pornography. The charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, with a potential maximum of 20 years, along with a fine up to $250,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford is managing the case. According to the complaint, the investigation began in October 2023 when the New York State Police received information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about an individual in Rochester uploading child pornography online. The investigation led authorities to Burns, who was employed as a teacher in Monroe County.
In November 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Burns' home and seized his computer. A forensic examination uncovered over 450 images depicting child pornography, including content involving children engaged in sexual acts with adults and images showing children restrained or masked.
Burns appeared before U.S. District Judge Colleen D. Holland for an initial hearing and is being held pending further proceedings.
The investigation involved collaboration between the New York State Police, directed by Major Kevin Sucher, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation under Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Mark Grimm.
It is important to note that criminal charges are accusations and do not imply guilt; defendants are presumed innocent until proven otherwise.
