Patrick Kerwin, a 43-year-old resident of Java Center, New York, has been arrested and charged with possession of child pornography. The charge carries a possible sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Maeve E. Huggins, the case began when the FBI was notified by the New York State Police on January 2, 2026. The investigation into Kerwin started in 2022 after a CyberTip Report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. In November 2025, authorities also learned that Kerwin had been arrested by the Lancaster Police Department for alleged violations of New York State Penal Law.
The arrest followed information provided by a civilian child safety advocacy group. A member of this group reportedly communicated with Kerwin, who allegedly believed he was speaking with a minor and intended to meet her for sex. On November 19, 2025, Lancaster Police found Kerwin at a local restaurant where he was taken into custody and his cell phone was seized. An initial examination of the device revealed several sexually explicit images and videos involving underage females.
The investigation involved cooperation between the New York State Police led by Major Amie Feroleto, the Lancaster Police Department led by Chief William Gummo, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation under Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera.
U.S. Attorney Michael 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."
