BUFFALO, N.Y. – Robert Michalewski, 54, of Blasdell, New York, is facing a lengthy prison sentence after being arrested and charged with the receipt and possession of child pornography. The feds allege Michalewski possessed images and videos depicting the abuse of children, some of which involved prepubescent minors and acts of violence.
U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced the charges today, stemming from an investigation triggered by a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) traced the suspected illegal content back to Michalewski, leading to a raid on his South Park Avenue residence on May 24, 2019.
Investigators seized a digital hoard: a desktop computer, multiple laptops, cell phones, external and internal hard drives, thumb drives, DVDs, and even VHS tapes. An initial forensic examination of the seized electronics allegedly revealed a disturbing collection of child pornography. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan A. Tokash is prosecuting the case.
This isn’t Michalewski’s first brush with the law. Records show he was previously convicted in Erie County Court in February 2018 of Possession of a Sexual Performance by a Child and received a conditional discharge that remains pending. This prior conviction will undoubtedly be a factor in sentencing, should he be found guilty.
The charges against Michalewski carry a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, with a maximum potential sentence of 40 years, and a $250,000 fine. He made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and is currently being held pending a detention hearing scheduled for May 30, 2019, at 1:00 p.m.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly. As with all criminal charges, Michalewski is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes|Cybercrime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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