Edward Forrester, a 67-year-old resident of Attica, New York, has been charged by criminal complaint with production and possession of child pornography following a previous conviction. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo. If convicted, Forrester faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and could receive up to 30 years.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron J. Mango and Evan K. Glaberson, the case began in April 2022 when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) notified the New York State Police about suspected child pornography uploaded to YouTube by a Google user identified as “edward forrester.” One video was described as “UNFAMILIAR and may depict NEWLY PRODUCED and/or HOMEMADE CONTENT.” Investigators were able to identify a victim depicted in the video.
On May 5, 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant on a camper and two vehicles belonging to Forrester at his brother’s property in Wyoming County. Authorities seized a cell phone and tablet during this operation. Forrester was subsequently charged in New York State Court with one count of Sexual Abuse First and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Another search warrant was executed at his residence in Corfu, NY, where two additional cell phones were confiscated. A forensic review uncovered four images suspected to be child pornography, including an image of the identified victim.
The FBI Buffalo Field Office is asking anyone with specific information related to this case to contact them at (716) 617-3250.
U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo stated: "The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty."
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation under Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera and the New York State Police led by Major Amie Feroleto.
