Fernando Clarke, a 64-year-old investigator with the New York City Correction Department, was convicted today on seven federal counts of transporting, receiving, and possessing child pornography. A federal jury in Central Islip delivered the guilty verdict after a trial revealing Clarke downloaded and stored graphic videos of preteen children being sexually abused on computer equipment in his East Meadow, New York home.
Clarke now faces a minimum of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for April 13, 2018, before United States District Judge Arthur D. Spatt. He has remained in custody since his arrest on July 28, 2015, following a court-authorized search of his residence that uncovered the illicit material.
At the time of the search, Clarke claimed he was downloading the material as part of his official duties. But he admitted under investigation that he had no authorization from the Correction Department to access or store child pornography. His employment was immediately suspended, and federal prosecutors moved swiftly to hold him accountable.
“As a sworn law enforcement officer, Clarke had a mandatory obligation to report child abuse,” stated United States Attorney Richard P. Donoghue. “Instead, he downloaded images of the rape and abuse of children for his personal use. We will be vigilant in holding accountable law enforcement officers who violate their oaths.”
Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division condemned Clarke’s actions, stating, “By trafficking in images depicting the sexual abuse and exploitation of numerous children, Fernando Clarke added to the demand that fuels the creation and dissemination of these horrific images.”
HSI Special Agent-in-Charge Angel M. Melendez added, “It is unfathomable that anyone, especially someone working in law enforcement, could be capable of such an act.” The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen L. Bode and Department of Justice Trial Attorney Lauren Kupersmith, with support from HSI, the NYC Department of Investigation, Inspector General, Board of Correction, and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section.
Related Federal Cases
- Albany Man Charged with Disturbing Child Pornography Crimes · New York
- Rochester Man Sentenced 48 Months for Child Pornography Possession · New York
- Buffalo Man Gets 30 Years for Child Pornography Ring · Ohio
- Buffalo Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography Charge · Texas
- Plattsburgh Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography Charges · New York
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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