BUFFALO, N.Y. – John Peterson, a 42-year-old registered sex offender from Jamestown, New York, has been arrested and charged with distributing and possessing child pornography, a crime that carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a $250,000 fine.
Peterson, who was previously convicted of a misdemeanor in 2010 for Attempted Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child Less than 16 Years of Age in Carroll Town Court, and subsequently convicted in 2023 in Chautauqua County Court of Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child Less than 16 Years of Age and Criminal Possession of a Firearm, is a level 1 sex offender.
According to the complaint, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received two CyberTips from the messaging app Kik in June 2025, alerting them to two files of suspected child pornography uploaded by Peterson. The files were shared with other Kik users and were uploaded with the username ‘hardinny41_mkc’ and ‘hardinny4_mf7’.
On December 3, 2025, investigators executed a search warrant on Peterson’s person, seizing his cell phone. A forensic analysis identified approximately nine image files and five video files of suspected child sexual abuse material, including images of infants, toddlers, and prepubescent children.
Peterson made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was held pending a detention hearing on April 2, 2026. The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The complaint is the result of an investigation that highlights the ongoing threat of child exploitation and the importance of continued efforts to combat it. As the case moves forward, it is essential to remember the impact that child pornography has on victims and their families.
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- John Towers, Hidden Cameras, Child Pornography, New York 2024 · New York
- John Doe Sentenced to Life for Child Rape and Trafficking, New York… · Arkansas
- James Johnson, Producing Child Pornography, New York NY, 2023 · Alabama
- Joshua Butler, Child Pornography Possession, New York 2024 · New York
- Paul A. Light, Child Pornography Distribution, New York 2023 · Illinois
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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