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Child Pornography Abuse Rocks Rochester Community
A disturbing case of child pornography abuse has come to light in Monroe County, New York. Michael V. Covello, 42, of Chili, New York, pleaded guilty to distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography.
According to court documents, the defendant’s online activities were discovered by law enforcement officers in May and June of 2012. A search warrant was executed at his residence, where officers recovered digital media containing child pornography. The images included prepubescent minors as depictions of violence.
The charges against Covello carry severe penalties due to his prior sexual abuse conviction. Distribution of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 40 years. Possession of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum of 20 years, along with a fine of up to $250,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Marisa J. Miller stated that this case is a result of an investigation by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Interim Special Agent in Charge Richard M. Frankel.
Covello’s plea is a culmination of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. This initiative aims to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse by marshaling federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims.
Sentencing for Covello is scheduled for September 17th, at 10:30 a.m. before U.S. District Judge David G. Larimer. The community is left to wonder how such crimes can occur, and what can be done to prevent them. As this case moves forward, one thing is clear: justice will be served, and those who commit such heinous crimes will face the full weight of the law.
The Rochester community is reminded that child pornography is a serious crime with severe consequences. If you or someone you know is a victim of child exploitation, please reach out to the authorities or a trusted resource for help.
RELATED: New York Teen Pleads Guilty to Armed Robbery, Carjacking & Kidnapping
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Sex Crimes|Cybercrime|Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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