Kevin Baron, Possession of Child Pornography, New York 2012

Buffalo Man Faces 10 Years in Prison for Child Pornography

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Kevin Baron, a 42-year-old Buffalo man, pleaded guilty to possession of more than 600 images of child pornography. This disturbing crime was uncovered during a forensic analysis of his computer and DVD disks.

The investigation began on March 9, 2012, when a search warrant was executed at Baron’s residence. The forensic analysis revealed that a privacy and cleaning software had been installed and was run on February 18, 2012, and February 28, 2012. The images contained depictions of violence.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango stated that the images discovered on Baron’s computer and DVD disks were part of a nationwide epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the federal government.

According to U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul Jr., the charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. The plea is the culmination of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Cheektowaga Police Department, and the Western New York Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory.

Sentencing is scheduled for May 24, 2013, at 12:30 p.m. before Judge Richard J. Arcara. The case highlights the growing concern of child sexual exploitation and abuse, and the need for continued efforts to combat this epidemic.

The investigation was led by Special Agent in Charge, Christopher M. Piehota, and Police Chief David Zack. Additional assistance was provided by the Western New York Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory, which conducted the forensic analysis of the computer.

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