NY & VT Predators: LaValley & Crew Face Child Exploitation Charges

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – A dark underbelly of abuse has been exposed with the federal indictment of four individuals accused of horrific crimes against children. Devin LaValley, age 37, of Burlington, New York, Melissa McDougal, age 29, of Altmar, New York, Grace Balthazor, age 33, of Elmira, New York, and Roxanne Clark, age 43, of Bristol, Vermont, appeared in federal court last week, their alleged actions finally catching up to them.

The charges are deeply disturbing. LaValley faces the most severe accusations: conspiracy to sexually exploit a child, sexual exploitation of a child, receipt of child pornography, and distribution of child pornography. McDougal is charged with conspiracy to sexually exploit a child, sexual exploitation of a child, and distribution of child pornography. Balthazor is implicated in conspiracy to sexually exploit a child and sexual exploitation of a child, while Clark is charged with receipt of child pornography. All four were detained pending further proceedings.

According to court documents, LaValley allegedly conspired with both McDougal and Balthazor to video record the sexual abuse of two minor children. The complaints detail a sickening exchange of these depictions over the internet. But the depravity didn’t stop there. LaValley is accused of then distributing these images to Clark via an online social networking application, fueled by a shared, twisted interest in the abuse of children. These are accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty, but the allegations are gut-wrenching.

“The allegations in the criminal complaint are horrific,” stated Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III. “The child victims in this case are now safe thanks to the great work of HSI and the New York State Police. These depraved defendants will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and my office will seek the maximum sentence that can be imposed.” The potential penalties are substantial: the conspiracy and sexual exploitation charges carry a prison sentence of between 15 and 30 years. Receipt and distribution of child pornography each carry 5 to 20 years. Each charge also carries a fine of up to $250,000 and a minimum of 5 years, potentially life, of supervised release, along with mandatory sex offender registration.

Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Buffalo, emphasized the gravity of the situation: “Through their alleged crimes, these defendants placed children in situations that caused unimaginable suffering that no minor should be face. While nothing can undo what these victims have already endured, HSI Buffalo, together with our law enforcement partners, is committed to ensuring that the perpetrators face justice for preying on the most vulnerable.” New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James echoed this sentiment, stating, “There is zero tolerance for those who endanger children… Children must be protected, not preyed upon.”

The investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the New York State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian S. LaRochelle is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative dedicated to combating child sexual exploitation and abuse. This case serves as a stark reminder of the predators lurking in the shadows and the critical work being done to protect our most vulnerable citizens. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it develops.