Syracuse, NY – A chilling sentence was handed down yesterday in Syracuse as 65-year-old Richard Hockersmith of Plattsburgh, New York, was sentenced to 6 years in federal prison for conspiring to receive and distribute child pornography. United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), announced the sentence.
Hockersmith had admitted to conspiring with co-defendant Jack Kelly to exchange child sexual abuse material via mail. They traded an SD card containing explicit images and videos of minors between them. The evidence was uncovered during a search of Hockersmith’s residence on September 12, 2024.
In addition to imprisonment, Judge Anne M. Nardacci sentenced Hockersmith to serve a 10-year term of supervised release following his prison term. He will also be required to register as a sex offender upon his release.
U.S. Attorney Sarcone emphasized the importance of the investigation, stating that ‘the diligent investigative work of agents from HSI and the New York State Police’ led to the arrest. ‘Let this be a lesson,’ he said, ‘we will find and punish anyone involved in the abuse or exploitation of children.’
HSI Buffalo Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan added, ‘Together with our partners, HSI Rouses Point will continue to seek justice for victimized children. Any person with information on child exploitation should contact the HSI tip-line at 866-347-2423.’
The case was investigated by HSI with assistance from the New York State Police and prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes|Cybercrime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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