Gregory Conrad Puzio, also known as “Tony G.,” a 40-year-old resident of Albany, New York, pleaded guilty to receiving child pornography in federal court. The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan, and New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James.
According to his plea, Puzio admitted that in February 2025 he used a messaging application to receive child sexual abuse material, including a video depicting the sexual abuse and beating of a child victim. Local authorities charged Puzio in June 2025 with use of a child in a sexual performance and possession of such material but released him on bond. After federal charges were filed on July 8, 2025, he was arrested by federal agents and did not contest detention.
Acting United States Attorney Sarcone stated: “Puzio’s disgraceful crimes were somehow not enough for detention in state court. But our partners at HSI and the NYSP quickly brought this case to my office so that this dangerous individual is now off the street and far from any children. My Office and our state and federal law enforcement partners will never hesitate to bring viable federal charges when we believe a defendant who has been released by a state court should be detained for the protection of the community.”
HSI Special Agent in Charge Keegan said: "Gregory Puzio's guilty plea reflects the depravity of the defendant's crimes against children and underscores the urgent need for aggressive investigation and prosecution in such heinous offenses. Together with our law enforcement counterparts, HSI will stop at nothing to ensure that predators face the full force of justice and that our communities are safeguarded from such egregious harm. I commend HSI Albany and our vital partners for their relentless investigative efforts and exceptional collaboration in protecting our children."
NYSP Superintendent James commented: “The exploitation and abuse of children is among the most serious crimes we confront, and the New York State Police remain committed to working side by side with our federal and local partners to identify offenders and protect the most vulnerable members of our communities. This guilty plea reflects the strength of that collaboration and sends a clear message that those who prey on children will be held accountable.”
Puzio is scheduled for sentencing on May 26, 2026. He faces between five years and twenty years in prison, as well as up to $250,000 in fines. Upon release, he must register as a sex offender.
The investigation involved HSI, NYSP, and assistance from the United States Postal Service’s Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua R. Rosenthal is prosecuting the case under Project Safe Childhood.
Project Safe Childhood is an initiative led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices together with other agencies aimed at combating child sexual exploitation online through coordinated investigations and prosecutions nationwide. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at https://www.justice.gov/psc.
