BUFFALO, N.Y.– In a shocking turn of events, former US Customs and Border Protection Supervisor Steven Metz, 42, of Hamburg, N.Y. has been sentenced to 5 years in prison for possessing over 3,000 images and 70 videos of child pornography.
According to U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr., the conviction was the result of a lengthy investigation by 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.
The horrific images and videos, some of which contained depictions of violence, were discovered on Metz’s computer at his residence in Hamburg on October 25, 2012. Some of the children shown in the images and videos were as young as three years old, leaving many to question how such a heinous crime could be committed by someone in a position of trust.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Marie P. Grisanti, who handled the case, stated that Metz’s conviction marked the end of his illustrious career with US Customs and Border Protection. As a direct result of the conviction, Metz will no longer be employed by the federal agency.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the federal government to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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.
The sentencing is a significant victory for law enforcement agencies and a testament to the tireless efforts of those who work to protect our children. As we continue to combat this heinous crime, it is crucial that we remain vigilant and proactive in our pursuit of justice.
Metz will be remanded immediately to begin serving his 5-year sentence, followed by 5 years of supervised release. The community can rest assured that justice has been served in this case, and we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that those who commit such atrocities are held accountable for their actions.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Sex Crimes,Cybercrime
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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