Kevin Theil, Receipt of Child Pornography, NY 2024

Kevin Theil, 53, of Corning, NY, has been arrested and charged with receipt of child pornography, a crime punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. The criminal complaint, unsealed Thursday, paints a disturbing picture of a man allegedly immersed in the exploitation of minors, with digital evidence and witness testimony building a damning case.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa M. Marangola, the investigation began November 8, 2016, when the FBI met with the Ithaca Police Department and a Cooperating Witness (CW). The CW revealed she had encountered Theil through backpage.com and learned he harbored a sexual interest in children. A phone number provided by the CW matched one Theil had given to the FBI during a cybersecurity briefing in Kentucky—linking him directly to the investigation.

The CW told law enforcement that Theil showed her child pornography on his iPad, including naked images of girls as young as seven or eight. More disturbingly, Theil allegedly admitted to sexually abusing his niece multiple times when she was about 14 years old—a confession that authorities are now treating as a critical element of the case.

In a calculated attempt to exploit a minor, Theil reportedly asked the CW to arrange a sexual encounter with a 14-year-old girl. The CW, instead, set him up with an 18-year-old friend who appeared younger. Theil paid $1,200 for the encounter. Afterward, he contacted the CW again, demanding a *real* minor. She then fabricated a story about two sisters—ages eight and 12—offering to set up a session with the 12-year-old, though she had no intention of following through.

On December 15, 2016, federal and state agents executed search warrants at Theil’s home in Corning and his lake house in Hammondsport, NY. A forensic examination of his laptop uncovered 367 images of child pornography—evidence that federal prosecutors say seals the case against him. Authorities say the digital trail is extensive and deeply incriminating.

The complaint is the result of a joint investigation by the FBI, under Special Agent-in-Charge Adam S. Cohen; the New York State Police, led by Major Richard Allen; and the Steuben County Sheriff’s Department, directed by Sheriff James Allard. Theil made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge John W. Feldman and was released pending trial. As with all federal defendants, he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.