Predators used KIK and other platforms to share images of child abuse and exploitation
From the US Attorney,
REPEAT OFFENDER PLEADS GUILTY TO NEW CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGE
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Brandon G. Uber, 24, of Jamestown, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $250,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who handled the case, stated that on August 22, 2024, a federal search warrant was executed at Uber’s residence because of child pornography files he uploaded to a KIK application server. During the search, various electronic devices were seized, including three tablets and a laptop. At the time, Uber was a member of a KIK chat forum used to trade child pornography with other users. Uber used the forum to distribute child pornography to other users and was a moderator of the forum at one point. Subsequent examination of the seized devices recovered approximately 33 images and five videos of child pornography, some of which depicted the sexual exploitation of an infant or toddler and violence against children.
At the time, Uber was awaiting sentencing on a distribution of child pornography charge. He was subsequently sentenced to serve 210 months on that charge.
The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 15, 2025, before Judge Vilardo.
WAYNE COUNTY MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO CHILD PORNGRAPHY CHARGE
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Joseph Hudson, III, 26, of Williamson, NY, pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography following a previous conviction for the sexual abuse of a minor before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa. The charge carries a minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that on March 14, 2024, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received information from Microsoft that an individual had uploaded nine files of suspected child pornography to a Microsoft platform. The tip was shared with the New York State Police, who traced the uploads to Hudson, a registered sex offender. Hudson was previously convicted of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree for engaging in sexual contact with a child less than 11 years old.
A search warrant was executed at Hudson’s residence, during which investigators seized Hudson’s computer. A forensic examination recovered approximately 111 images and 112 videos of child pornography depicting the sexual abuse and exploitation of prepubescent minors, to include minors being subjected to violence.
The plea is the result of of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Kevin Sucher, and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 4, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Siragusa.
