Steven Gasiorek Indicted on Child Porn Charges

Steven Gasiorek, 33, of Cheektowaga, NY, is facing an 18-count federal indictment charging him with production and receipt of child pornography, as well as enticement of a minor. The charges stem from a years-long scheme in which Gasiorek allegedly posed as a teenage girl online to lure underage boys into sending explicit images of themselves. The highest counts carry a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $250,000 fine.

According to the indictment and a prior criminal complaint, on April 10, 2019, the Fauquier County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office reached out to Cheektowaga police about a 14-year-old male from Virginia who had been communicating with an Instagram account named LEXIGURL1015. Believing he was chatting with a teenage girl from California, the boy sent multiple pornographic images of himself after being encouraged by the account user. Investigators later traced the account to Gasiorek, who at the time worked as a substitute teacher and coach at John F. Kennedy Middle and High Schools.

A search warrant executed at Gasiorek’s Lehigh Street residence led to the seizure of a laptop and external hard drive. Forensic analysis uncovered numerous images constituting child pornography, some of which were allegedly produced at Gasiorek’s direction. Authorities believe he used the same online persona to groom and exploit minors over several years, manipulating them into sexual acts for visual recordings.

The indictment details that in February 2019 alone, Gasiorek coerced six minor victims into engaging in sexual activity for the purpose of producing visual depictions. He is additionally charged with receiving child pornography that he himself solicited—a dual indictment that amplifies the severity of his alleged crimes. Each count reflects a calculated abuse of trust and authority, particularly given his role in a school environment.

Gasiorek was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and released on conditions. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Moellering is prosecuting the case. The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation under Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert, with support from the Cheektowaga Police Department, Chief David Zack, and the West Seneca Police Department, Chief Daniel Denz.

The DOJ reminds the public that an indictment is merely an accusation, and Steven Gasiorek is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact the FBI at 716-843-1616. Authorities warn that predators often use fake identities on social media to exploit children, and they encourage parents to monitor their children’s online activity closely.