Conner Buskey, a 20-year-old resident of Saratoga Springs, New York, was arrested and charged with receipt and possession of child pornography. The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Buskey had previously been arrested by the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office on charges related to the rape of a minor who was known to him. During that investigation, law enforcement seized Buskey’s phone and discovered images and videos containing child sexual abuse material, which led to the current federal charges. Authorities noted that these are only accusations at this stage, and Buskey is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
On Friday afternoon, Buskey appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Paul J. Evangelista in federal court and was ordered to remain in custody.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Conner Buskey was arrested and charged in state court with raping a minor, but was inexplicably released on bail. He is a danger to the community who should be detained, which is why my office has charged him. I thank our partners at the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, the Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations for their work in helping bring this individual to justice, and keeping our children and community safe from this alleged predator.”
Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the HSI Buffalo Field Office, said: “Conner Buskey is accused of abhorrent crimes against an innocent child, and would be roaming free if not for the federal charges brought last week. I applaud our HSI Albany personnel, the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York for ensuring the wellbeing of the public, including and especially victims and vulnerable communities, remains the priority above all else.”
The charge of receipt of child pornography carries a minimum prison sentence of five years up to a maximum of twenty years. The possession charge carries up to twenty years in prison. Each offense could result in fines up to $250,000 as well as supervised release ranging from five years to life. If convicted, Buskey would also be required to register as a sex offender after his release from prison. Sentencing will depend on statutory requirements, U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors considered by a judge.
Homeland Security Investigations is leading the investigation with support from the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Walter is prosecuting.
The case falls under Project Safe Childhood—an initiative led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section—which coordinates resources across federal, state, and local agencies to prosecute individuals exploiting children online while working to identify victims. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at https://www.justice.gov/psc.
