BUFFALO, N.Y. – A disturbing case of child exploitation has come to light in Western New York.
Kenneth Ritchie, 31, of Cheektowaga, pleaded guilty to production of child pornography before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, Ritchie engaged in sexually explicit conduct with a minor victim on June 16, 2021, using a cellular telephone to produce visual depictions of the conduct.
The charges against Ritchie carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of 30 years, and a $250,000 fine.
The investigation into Ritchie’s crimes was conducted by the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief Brian Gould, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia.
Ritchie is scheduled to be sentenced on August 24, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. before Judge Sinatra.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance in protecting our children from harm. As the investigation unfolds, one thing is clear: Kenneth Ritchie’s actions have had a profound impact on the victim and their loved ones.
The community is left to wonder how such heinous crimes can occur in their own backyard. As we continue to report on this developing story, one thing is certain – justice will be served.
In related news, the Cheektowaga Police Department has issued a statement urging parents to be aware of their children’s online activities and to report any suspicious behavior to the authorities immediately.
For more information on this case, please contact Barbara Burns at (716) 843-5817 or (716) 551-3051.
Related Federal Cases
- David Rubel, Child Pornography Production, New York · New York
- Michael Lanham, Child Pornography Production, New York 2024 · New York
- James Johnson, Producing Child Pornography, New York NY, 2023 · Alabama
- Joshua Vandegrift, Production of Child Pornography, NY, 2023 · Texas
- David Keith, Child Pornography Production, NY 2024 · New York
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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