Michael P. Drescher Acting United States Attorney for the District of Vermont | U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont
Ian Blochwitz, a 34-year-old man from Buffalo, New York, was sentenced on April 27 to 120 months in prison and six years of supervised release after pleading guilty to transporting a child across state lines for sexual activity, according to the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont. Judge William K. Sessions III also ordered Blochwitz to pay $6,166.80 in restitution.
The case highlights efforts by federal authorities to address crimes involving child exploitation and protect vulnerable victims. The U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont supports community safety and civil rights through initiatives aimed at reducing crime and protecting victims, according to the official website.
Court records show that Blochwitz met his victim—a twelve-year-old girl—on an anonymous text and video platform. After learning her age, he continued communication and arranged an in-person meeting. On February 20, 2023, Blochwitz rented a car near his home in Buffalo and drove over 300 miles to Vermont where he picked up the child near her residence before taking her to a short-term rental in Whitehall, New York. The victim reported being sexually abused during this trip as well as being intimidated into wearing degrading items at Blochwitz’s request. Before returning her home, he attempted to erase their correspondence from her phone; however, she later reported the abuse.
A search warrant executed on September 14 at Blochwitz’s apartment led law enforcement officers to recover his cell phone containing visual depictions of child sex abuse involving another minor.
First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt said: “Blochwitz intentionally targeted a child for abuse, drove over 300 miles to pick her up in Vermont, transported her to New York, and abused her for his own sexual gratification. His actions are the fodder for the nightmares of Vermont parents. I am extremely grateful for the dedication of the investigating HSI Special Agents, and want to recognize the resilience the victim has demonstrated throughout this process.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua L. Banker prosecuted this case with Robert C. Singer representing Blochwitz.
This prosecution was part of Project Safe Childhood—a Department of Justice initiative launched in May 2006—to combat online child exploitation by coordinating resources among federal prosecutors like those serving Vermont communities according to its official website. The U.S. Attorney's office enforces federal criminal laws and manages civil litigation on behalf of the United States according to its official website. It fosters partnerships with local agencies across Burlington and Rutland as described by its official site.
