Matthew Bald, Possession of Child Pornography, New York 2020

In a disturbing case, Matthew Bald, a 40-year-old registered sex offender from Lockport, New York, pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor by a person having a prior conviction for sexual abuse, aggravated sexual abuse, or abusive sexual contact involving a minor or ward.

The charge, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a $250,000 fine, was announced by U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Rudroff, who is handling the case, Bald was convicted in Niagara County Court of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree in November 2011 and sentenced to serve six months in prison and 10 years’ probation. However, on December 15, 2020, while still on probation, Bald possessed more than 600 images of child pornography on a laptop computer.

Some of the images of child pornography depicted prepubescent minors. The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Eugene Staniszewski, the Niagara County Probation Department, under the direction of Director John Cicchetti, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences faced by those who engage in the production, distribution, and possession of child pornography.

Bald’s guilty plea is a significant victory for law enforcement and a testament to their tireless efforts in combating this heinous crime.

As a result of his plea, Bald faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a $250,000 fine. The case is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of child pornography on its victims and the importance of continued efforts to bring perpetrators to justice.

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