Joshua Vandegrift, Child Pornography Production, New York 2015

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Joshua Vandegrift, 29, of Wellsburg, NY, is facing serious charges after being accused of producing child pornography. According to reports, Vandegrift engaged in sexually explicit communications with multiple minor females via social media between October 2014 and January 2015.

The communications, which included enticing the minors to send sexually explicit photos of themselves, allegedly involved a 17-year-old, a 12-year-old, and two 13-year-olds. Vandegrift’s actions carry a minimum of 15 years in prison, a maximum penalty of 30 years, and a $250,000 fine if convicted.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany H. Lee is handling the case, which is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Chemung County Sheriff’s Office, and the Oswego County Sheriff’s Office.

Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced the arrest and charges against Vandegrift. The complaint is a serious accusation, and Vandegrift is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Adam S. Cohen, the Chemung County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Christopher Moss, and the Oswego County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Reuel Todd, conducted the investigation.

Contact information for Barbara Burns, who can be reached at (716) 843-5817 or (716) 551-3051, is available for those seeking more information about the case.

Vandegrift’s charges are a stark reminder of the dangers of child predators and the importance of protecting our children online. The community is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

Related Federal Cases