Ahmed Yaqoob, Production and Possession of Child Pornography, New York 2024

A 24-year-old Rochester man has been arrested and charged with production and possession of child pornography, a crime that carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years.

Ahmed Yaqoob was arrested by the Erie County Sheriff’s Office in connection with the rape of two 12- and 14-year-old sisters in the Town of North Collins. The victims, who cannot be named, began communicating with Yaqoob through the dating application “Pure” on October 17, 2024. The defendant made arrangements to meet the victims at their residence in North Collins, where he had sexual relations with both girls in a vehicle.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, the investigation determined that Yaqoob recorded the sexual activity on his cell phone. On October 24, 2024, investigators searched Yaqoob’s cell phone and recovered two videos that had been recorded and deleted from the device on their respective dates and times. The videos included the victims engaged in sexual relations with Yaqoob.

Members of the public who have specific information related to this case are urged to contact the FBI Buffalo Office at 716-856-7800. The Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, have been investigating the case.

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. Yaqoob is being held without bail pending a detention hearing.

The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting our children from predators like Yaqoob.

U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced the charges against Yaqoob, stating that the case highlights the commitment of law enforcement to investigate and prosecute those who prey on vulnerable individuals.

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