A former substitute teacher and coach has been charged with multiple counts of child pornography and enticement of a minor, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York.
Steven Gasiorek, 33, of Cheektowaga, is accused of producing and receiving child pornography, as well as enticing a 14-year-old male from Virginia to create and send explicit images of himself.
The charges against Gasiorek stem from an investigation by the FBI, the Cheektowaga Police Department, and the West Seneca Police Department, which began in April 2019 after a tip from the Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia.
According to the indictment, Gasiorek used the Instagram account "LEXIGURL1015" to communicate with the minor victim and coerce him into sending explicit images.
A search warrant executed at Gasiorek’s home in Lehigh Street, Cheektowaga, uncovered a laptop and external hard drive containing numerous images of child pornography.
Gasiorek was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy on 18 counts of production and receipt of child pornography, as well as enticement of a minor. He was released on conditions.
The indictment alleges that Gasiorek engaged in the enticement of minors to produce child pornography activity for several years, and that he coerced six minor victims to engage in sexual activity for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct in February 2019.
Gasiorek faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years, a maximum penalty of life in prison, and a $250,000 fine if convicted.
Members of the public who have information related to this case are asked to contact the FBI at (716) 843-1616.
The indictment is a result of an investigation by the FBI, the Cheektowaga Police Department, and the West Seneca Police Department, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert, Chief David Zack, and Chief Daniel Denz, respectively.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and Gasiorek is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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