Syracuse, NY – Richard J. Potter Jr., a Springport resident aged 55, was today brought to justice for what authorities describe as a heinous crime: the receipt of child pornography and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Potter, who is already a registered sex offender due to a 2003 state felony conviction involving the sexual abuse of a minor, now faces additional charges that could send him behind bars for decades. According to the United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and FBI Special Agent in Charge Thomas F. Relford, Potter was arrested after a thorough investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Mid-State Child Exploitation Task Force.
Today, Potter appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thérèse Wiley Dancks, where he was ordered detained pending the resolution of his case. The complaint unsealed today reveals that Potter used computer technology to obtain and store thousands of digital copies of child pornography images and videos on cellular telephones.
In addition, authorities allege that Potter is in possession of a 12-gauge shotgun despite having a previous felony conviction. If convicted, Potter could face up to 40 years imprisonment for the child pornography charge, with a mandatory minimum sentence of fifteen years. The unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon charge carries its own severe penalties, including ten years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
Despite the serious charges against him, Potter is presumed innocent until proven guilty. His trial will determine his fate, but for now, Cayuga County residents are relieved that this predator has been taken off the streets.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide effort led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office to combat online exploitation and abuse of children. For more information on this initiative, visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes|Cybercrime|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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