Michael Kemp Sentenced to 10 Years for Child Porn Possession, Buffa…

BUFFALO, NY – Michael Kemp, 37, of Buffalo, is headed back to prison after a federal judge slammed him with a decade-long sentence for possessing horrific child pornography. The sentence, handed down by U.S. District Court Judge Richard J. Arcara, isn’t Kemp’s first rodeo; he was already on supervised release when he re-offended, earning him an additional four months behind bars for violating the terms of his freedom.

U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced the sentencing, a grim reminder of the predators lurking in our communities. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marie P. Grisanti detailed how probation officers discovered the depravity hidden within Kemp’s bedroom. On October 15, 2013, a search of Kemp’s residence revealed a computer and hard drive stashed between his mattress and box spring – a pathetic attempt at concealment.

What they found wasn’t just disturbing, it was extensive. The computer contained over 50 images and eight videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. This wasn’t a momentary lapse in judgment; it was a deliberate collection of exploitation. The fact that Kemp was already a convicted child porn offender – released from prison in July 2008 – speaks volumes about his character and the danger he posed.

This case wasn’t conducted in a vacuum. It falls under the umbrella of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice. The project, spearheaded by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), aims to dismantle the networks that facilitate the abuse and exploitation of children online. It’s a relentless push to find, arrest, and prosecute those who prey on the most vulnerable.

The investigation leading to Kemp’s conviction was a collaborative effort. Officers from the United States Probation Department, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (led by Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero), and the Regional Computer Forensic Laboratory all played a crucial role in building the case. Their combined expertise was vital in uncovering the evidence and bringing Kemp to justice.

Kemp’s sentence sends a clear message: the exploitation of children will not be tolerated. While ten years is a significant punishment, it barely scratches the surface of the damage he’s inflicted. Those seeking more information about Project Safe Childhood can visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. This is a fight that demands constant vigilance and a commitment to protecting our children from these monsters.