ALBANY, NY – Conner Buskey, 20, of Saratoga Springs, New York, is facing federal charges after investigators uncovered a disturbing trove of child pornography on his phone. The discovery came after Buskey was already arrested by the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office for allegedly raping a minor victim known to him – a case that saw him inexplicably released on bail.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III didn’t mince words Friday, announcing the charges and slamming the initial bail decision. “Conner Buskey was arrested and charged in state court with raping a minor, but was inexplicably released on bail,” Sarcone stated. “He is a danger to the community who should be detained, which is why my office has charged him.” The federal charges – receipt and possession of child pornography – aim to keep Buskey locked up where, Sarcone’s office argues, he belongs.
The investigation unfolded after Buskey’s phone was seized during his initial arrest. A forensic examination revealed images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), emphasized the importance of the federal intervention. “Conner Buskey is accused of abhorrent crimes against an innocent child, and would be roaming free if not for the federal charges brought last week,” Keegan said. “I applaud our HSI Albany personnel…for ensuring the wellbeing of the public remains the priority.”
Buskey appeared in federal court Friday afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Paul J. Evangelista, who immediately ordered him remanded to custody. If convicted on the charge of receipt of child pornography, Buskey faces a minimum sentence of 5 years and a maximum of 20 years in prison. Possession of child pornography carries a maximum sentence of 20 years. Both charges also carry potential fines of up to $250,000 and a minimum of 5 years – potentially life – of supervised release. Upon release, he would be required to register as a sex offender.
This case is being investigated by HSI, with assistance from the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Walter is prosecuting the case. The charges in the complaint are merely accusations, and Buskey is presumed innocent until proven guilty. However, the speed with which federal authorities moved to secure his detention sends a clear message: the exploitation of children will not be tolerated.
This investigation falls under Project Safe Childhood, a national initiative spearheaded by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). The project aims to bolster resources for locating, apprehending, and prosecuting those who exploit children online and rescuing victims. More information on Project Safe Childhood can be found at https://www.justice.gov/psc.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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