⏱ 2 min read
A 37-year-old Rochester man is accused of preying on a 7-year-old girl, coaxing her to send him disturbing images of herself, and then deleting the incriminating evidence.
Kenneth Tootle is charged with production and receipt of child pornography and enticement of a minor, crimes that carry a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison and a maximum of life.
The investigation began on January 18, 2026, when the victim’s mother discovered distressing messages on her daughter’s cell phone, including explicit photos and videos. A review of the phone confirmed the disturbing communication between the child and Tootle.
A search warrant was executed on Tootle’s cell phone, but the images of child pornography sent by the minor victim had already been deleted. Tootle was arrested and made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen, who held him pending a detention hearing on April 20, 2026.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, with the Rochester Police Department, FBI, and Monroe County Sheriff’s Office contributing to the investigation.
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📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Sex Crimes
- Defendant: New York
- Location: NY
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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