Joshua Zak, Child Pornography, New York 2023

BUFFALO, N.Y. - Joshua Zak, 46, of Buffalo, NY, a convicted felon, is going to prison on new child pornography charges. Zak was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison and 30 years supervised release by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo on March 13, 2023. This conviction marks a new chapter in Zak's long history of child pornography crimes.

Zak was previously convicted of receipt of child pornography in May 2018 and sentenced to serve 72 months in prison and 20 years supervised release, which began in May 2022. However, Zak continued his illicit activities, even while serving his supervised release. In March 2023, a United States Probation Officer interviewed Zak during a home visit, during which he admitted to using a smartphone that he found at his mother's residence to view pornography. Zak also admitted that he found an old SD card that was not located by law enforcement when he was previously arrested.

A few days later, U.S. Probation met Zak at his mother's residence, where he led officers to a trash bag that contained several electronic devices, as well as an SD card. A review of the SD card recovered more than 600 images and videos of child pornography, some of which included depictions of violence against children.

Zak's sentencing is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Probation Office, under the direction of Chief Probation Officer Timothy Englert, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera.

The charges against Zak include possession of child pornography, a federal crime that carries severe penalties. Zak's actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for the law and the safety of our children.

The investigation and subsequent sentencing of Joshua Zak serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in combating child exploitation. We must continue to work together to protect our children and hold perpetrators accountable for their crimes.

Joshua Zak is a 46-year-old resident of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography. He was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison and 30 years supervised release.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdny/pr/convicted-felon-going-prison-new-child-pornography-charge-1