Matthew A. Steele, Child Pornography, New York 2024

Local Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Child Pornography

BUFFALO, N.Y.- In a disturbing case, Matthew A. Steele, 55, of Elma, NY, was sentenced to 30 years in prison for producing and possessing child pornography involving a prepubescent minor.

According to authorities, between July 2008 and July 2010, Steele created images of child pornography with a minor female victim on several occasions from the time she was approximately nine years old until she was approximately 12 years old. Some of these images were distributed by Steele to other unknown individuals.

On March 11, 2024, investigators executed a search warrant at Steele's residence, seizing two electronic devices. A forensic review of the devices recovered numerous sexually explicit images of the victim created by Steele, as well as 45 images of child pornography not involving the victim that Steele obtained over the internet.

These images included prepubescent minors and depicted violence against children. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Patrone, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

In addition to the prison sentence, Steele was ordered to pay restitution totaling $410,610 to a victim in this case.

The case highlights the devastating impact of child pornography and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdny/pr/elma-man-going-prison-30-years-production-and-possession-child-pornography