Buffalo Man Michael Secchiaroli Arrested in Child Porn Probe

Michael Secchiaroli, 31, of Buffalo, NY, is behind bars and facing federal child pornography charges after a months-long digital dragnet led investigators straight to his front door. The arrest marks the latest escalation in the DOJ’s ongoing crackdown on online exploitation of minors.

On December 28, 2015, an undercover federal agent discovered 14 image files of child pornography uploaded to a file-sharing network—each depicting pre-pubescent girls in sexually explicit poses. Metadata embedded in the files pointed directly to an IP address registered at Secchiaroli’s Buffalo residence, according to a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court.

Federal agents moved swiftly. On March 29, 2016, a search warrant was executed at Secchiaroli’s home. Officers seized two laptops, an external hard drive, and other electronic devices. Forensic analysis later revealed 40 distinct image files containing child pornography—evidence that prosecutors say leaves little room for denial.

Secchiaroli was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and released under strict electronic monitoring. He faces charges of distribution and possession of child pornography, each carrying a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a $250,000 fine.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Adam S. Cohen and is now being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango. Authorities say the investigation is part of a broader national effort to dismantle networks that traffic in child sexual abuse material.

Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. emphasized that while charges have been filed, the presumption of innocence remains. “The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation,” Kennedy stated. “The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.”