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Child Pornography Ring Leader Behind Bars
BUFFALO, N.Y.– Former U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Supervisor Steven Metz, 41, of Hamburg, New York, has pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography, a crime that carries a maximum possible sentence of ten years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000 and a term of supervised release of at least five years to life.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Marie P. Grisanti stated that on or about October 25, 2012, Metz was found to possess images and videos of child pornography on his computer, at his residence in Hamburg, New York. The defendant possessed over 600 images of child pornography. Some of these files contained sadistic or masochistic conduct or other depictions of violence, and some of the children shown in the images and videos were prepubescent and under the age of 12 years.
Metz also emailed child pornography to others through the Internet, further solidifying his role in the distribution of this heinous material. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006.
Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The plea was the culmination of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero, Special Agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in charge Gregory Null, and officers of the Hamburg Police Department under the direction of Chief Michael K. Williams.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 12, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. before Judge William M. Skretny. This case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of child pornography and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. stated, ‘The exploitation and abuse of children is a heinous crime that will not be tolerated. We will continue to work tirelessly to identify and prosecute those who engage in this illicit activity.’
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Sex Crimes|Cybercrime
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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