In a recent development, an Ontario County man, Eric Passalacqua, has pleaded guilty to charges involving child pornography. This disturbing case came to light when the FBI in Anchorage, Alaska alerted the FBI in Rochester, New York of Passalacqua’s alleged involvement in exchanging child pornography. A subsequent investigation revealed that Passalacqua had over 600 images of child pornography on his phone, some of which he had produced himself. He admitted to producing images of a minor victim as well. The charges carry a minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum penalty of 40 years, and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for August 24, 2023.
Ontario County Man Pleads Guilty To Child Pornography Charges
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Overview of the Case
In a recent development, Eric Passalacqua, a 37-year-old resident of Phelps, NY, pleaded guilty to charges related to child pornography. The charges, which involve the receipt and distribution of child pornography, come with severe penalties. Passalacqua’s guilty plea was made before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci. This article will provide an overview of the case, details of the plea, penalties for the charges, the prosecution’s statement, information about the investigation and discovery process, the search warrant and forensic examination, the number of images found, the involvement of multiple victims, the law enforcement agencies involved, and the sentencing date.
Details of the Plea
The guilty plea by Eric Passalacqua was made on an undisclosed date at a location in Ontario County. The presiding judge overseeing the case is U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci. Passalacqua’s guilty plea indicates his admission of guilt and acceptance of responsibility for the charges brought against him.
Penalties for the Charges
The charges for which Passalacqua pleaded guilty, receipt and distribution of child pornography, carry significant penalties. The minimum penalty is set at five years in prison, while the maximum penalty is 40 years. In addition to the prison sentence, Passalacqua may also face a fine of up to $250,000. The severity of these penalties highlights the gravity of the offenses committed.
Prosecution’s Statement
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, has provided a statement regarding Passalacqua’s guilty plea. The statement gives an overview of the evidence presented in court and emphasizes the importance of Passalacqua’s admission of guilt. The prosecution’s statement plays a crucial role in establishing the integrity of the case and ensuring that justice is served.
Investigation and Discovery
The case against Passalacqua involved a comprehensive investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The FBI’s involvement in this matter was crucial in uncovering the exchange of child pornography between Passalacqua and another individual located in Alaska. As a result of the initial information received from the FBI in Anchorage, the investigation unfolded and implicated Passalacqua as the individual responsible for the illicit activities.
Search Warrant and Forensic Examination
On January 24, 2023, a search warrant was executed at Passalacqua’s residence in Phelps, NY. This legal action allowed law enforcement authorities to gather evidence related to the charges against him. As part of the investigation, a forensic examination of Passalacqua’s phone was conducted, revealing over 600 images of child pornography. It was during this examination that evidence also showed Passalacqua’s involvement in producing images depicting a minor victim.
Number of Images Found
The forensic examination conducted on Passalacqua’s phone resulted in the discovery of over 600 images depicting child pornography. These images, confirmed to be of child pornography, serve as crucial evidence in the case against him. Additionally, it was determined that Passalacqua himself produced some of these explicit images.
Involvement of Multiple Victims
The investigation revealed the existence of multiple victims involved in Passalacqua’s illicit activities. The exact number of minor victims identified has not been disclosed. However, this finding underscores the severity and magnitude of Passalacqua’s crimes. Furthermore, Passalacqua’s admission to producing images of another minor victim adds to the gravity of the charges brought against him.
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Law Enforcement Agencies Involved
The investigation into Passalacqua’s crimes was a collaborative effort involving multiple law enforcement agencies. The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Child Exploitation Human Trafficking Task Force played a central role in the investigation. This task force operates under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia. Additionally, the Anchorage Office of the FBI, led by Special Agent-in-Charge Antony A. Jung, provided crucial support and information during the investigation.
Sentencing Date
The sentencing for Eric Passalacqua has been scheduled for August 24, 2023. U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci will preside over the sentencing hearing. This date marks an important milestone in the legal proceedings against Passalacqua, as it will determine the consequences he will face for his involvement in child pornography-related offenses.
In conclusion, the guilty plea of Eric Passalacqua to charges of child pornography marks a significant development in the case against him. The details of the plea, penalties associated with the charges, and the prosecution’s statement all contribute to the comprehensive understanding of the situation. The investigation, search warrant execution, and forensic examination provided crucial evidence, establishing the severity and magnitude of the crimes committed. The involvement of multiple victims and various law enforcement agencies highlights the collaborative efforts to bring justice and protect the vulnerable. The sentencing date serves as a crucial next step in ensuring that Passalacqua faces appropriate consequences for his actions.
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