Christopher Gostick, Receipt of Child Pornography, New York 2024

BUFFALO, NY – In a disturbing case of child exploitation, Christopher Gostick, a 30-year-old man from Lancaster, New York, pleaded guilty to receiving child pornography by a person with a prior conviction. The crime carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a fine of $250,000.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas A. C. Penrose, who is handling the case, stated that on June 9 and 10, 2023, Gostick attended a sleepover birthday party where he kissed a minor victim, who was nine years old, on the lips. The victim told her parents, which led to police officers responding to the residence and seizing Gostick’s cellular telephones and a tablet. A review of one of the cellphones uncovered a surreptitiously recorded video of the minor victim using the bathroom.

In addition to the video of Minor Victim 1, law enforcement also found on Gostick’s other cellphone a screen recording of a Snapchat conversation between Gostick and a second minor victim, who was 10 years old at the time. During that conversation, Gostick, who was posing as an 11-year-old female, instructed Minor Victim 2 to send him a sexually explicit video, which Minor Victim 2 did. A review of Gostick’s devices also recovered approximately 613 images and two videos containing child pornography.

Gostick’s prior conviction dates back to August 2019, when he was convicted of Attempted Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child Less than 16. The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino, and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia.

The sentencing is scheduled for October 4, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. before Judge Richard J. Arcara. This case highlights the ongoing threat of child exploitation and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their crimes.

Gostick’s actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for the safety and well-being of children. His conviction sends a strong message that such behavior will not be tolerated in our society.

Related Federal Cases