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Press Release

Chateauguay man sentenced to 90 years for producing child pornography

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of New York

Former karate instructor receives maximum penalty

ALBANY, NY – United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian announced a 90 year sentence imposed upon RYAN STAPLES, 37 years old, of Chateauguay, NY. The sentence was imposed today by U.S. District Court Senior Judge Thomas J. McAvoy.

On May 1, 2014, Staples pled guilty to three counts of production of child pornography involving three different minor victims. He admitted that he videotaped and took photographs of himself engaged in sexually explicit conduct with the victims between July and October 2010.

The Court imposed the maximum sentence of imprisonment for thirty years on each of the three counts and ordered the sentences on each count to run consecutively. The Court also imposed a lifetime term of supervised release and an order of forfeiture. The United States Attorney’s Office dismissed Count 4 of the indictment, Possession of Child Pornography. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals.

“Sexual exploitation crimes are among the most heinous, imposing a ‘life-time’ sentence on the minor victims involved,” stated United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian. “It is fitting this defendant received a life-time of imprisonment as well. The damage done to these children is tragic. The most we can do is make sure this defendant will never be near another child again.”

U.S. Attorney Hartunian praised the collaborative work of law enforcement agencies in the north country of New York. “The cooperative work of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, Rouses Point and the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office was vital in this case. They did an outstanding investigative job.”

“These types of crimes are appalling and made worse when their perpetrators have ready access to young people," said HSI Special Agent in Charge James Spero. "However, the significant sentencing handed down today ensures Mr. Staples will never victimize another child. The sentencing should also serve as a stark reminder of the severe penalties that await those who engage in this type of depraved activity. The Clinton County Sheriff provided invaluable assistance in the investigation by conducting all of the forensic examinations."

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Rouses Point and the Clinton County Sheriff Office. Prosecuting the case was Assistant United States Attorney Katherine Kopita.

Updated January 29, 2015