LaPage, Repeat Offender, Admits to Child Pornography

SYRACUSE, NY – Richard LaPage, 51, of Potsdam, New York, has admitted to a sickening cycle of abuse, pleading guilty yesterday to distributing, receiving, and possessing child pornography. The case, a grim reminder of the predators lurking in the digital shadows, was announced by Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Between December 2023 and October 2024, LaPage exploited smartphone social networking applications, using them as conduits to send and receive depraved images and videos. Investigators weren’t stopping there, however. A search of LaPage’s electronic devices uncovered a horrifying cache of over 150 child pornography images and videos. This isn’t LaPage’s first brush with the law. In 2010, he was convicted in New York State of attempted criminal sexual act in the first degree – an attempt to sexually abuse a child under the age of 13.

“The defendant, already a registered sex offender, again engaged in disgusting criminal conduct that revictimized the children whose abuse was depicted in the images he distributed, received, and possessed,” stated Acting United States Attorney Sarcone III, his voice laced with justifiable outrage. “Sex offenders who reoffend face particularly lengthy prison terms under federal law, and we will do everything in our power to make sure they serve the lengthiest terms possible so that our children are safe from these sick, twisted people.”

Erin Keegan of HSI didn’t mince words either. “Richard LaPage is a repeat child predator with a criminal history of targeting young children for his own abhorrent desires,” she stated. “HSI Massena, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York and our local partners refuse to allow our communities to become safe havens for sex offenders intent on continuing their exploitation of minors.” The investigation was a collaborative effort, involving HSI, the New York State Police Computer Crimes Unit (CCU), the Potsdam Police Department, and the St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office.

LaPage now faces a potentially crippling sentence. Due to his prior conviction, he’s looking at a mandatory minimum of 15 years for the distribution and receipt charges, and another 10 years for possession. The maximum penalties could reach 40 years for distribution/receipt and 20 years for possession, alongside a fine of up to $250,000 and a term of supervised release ranging from 5 years to life. Beyond prison, LaPage will be ordered to pay restitution to victims, forfeit any property used in the commission of the crimes, and will be *required* to re-register as a sex offender upon release.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 9, 2026, before Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes. This case highlights the ongoing work of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative dedicated to combating child sexual exploitation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Gillis is leading the prosecution. Those seeking more information on Project Safe Childhood can visit https://www.justice.gov/psc. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the sentencing.