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Press Release

Granby Man Convicted of Sexually Exploiting Five Children

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of New York
Jury Convicts Clif J. Seaway After a Four-Day Trial

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Following a four-day trial in federal court in Syracuse, a jury today found Clif J. Seaway, age 61, of Granby, New York, guilty of two counts of Conspiracy to Sexually Exploit a Child and ten counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Child, announced Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith, New York State Police Superintendent George P. Beach II, and Kevin M. Kelly, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Division of Homeland Security Investigations.

 

The evidence at trial established that Clif J. Seaway conspired with others to, and did sexually exploit, five minor children from 2001 through 2013 in Oswego, Onondaga, and Jefferson Counties, and took sexually explicit photos and videos of the victims. During the trial the jury viewed numerous videos and photographs made by the defendant of his sexual exploitation of all five victims and heard testimony from one, who is now an adult. The trial evidence also included the defendant’s recorded confession to New York State Police Investigators. 

 

“The jury heard testimony about the defendant’s abhorrent, prolonged sexual exploitation of five minor victims over many years and rendered a verdict that will hold the defendant accountable for his heinous criminal conduct.  With our law enforcement partners, we will continue to investigate and prosecute such unfathomable crimes against the most vulnerable and helpless among us –  children -- to the fullest extent of the law,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Grant C. Jaquith.

 

New York State Police Superintendent George P. Beach said, “While these type of investigations are difficult for those who have worked the most shocking of cases, the evidence gathered and work done by the State Police and our law enforcement partners, led to this conviction and ensures the defendant will serve time for his deplorable crimes. Together, we will continue to seek justice for those who have been victimized and protect those who are most vulnerable, our children.”

 

"Today's conviction is a critical first step toward healing for all of those impacted by the depraved acts perpetrated by this defendant," said Kevin Kelly, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations, Buffalo Division. "HSI will continue to aggressively pursue those who prey on the most vulnerable in society, our children."

 

Sentencing is scheduled for April 30, 2018 in Syracuse. The defendant faces a minimum sentence of 15 years and up to 30 years for each count of conviction, for a maximum possible sentence of 360 years in prison. The defendant will also be sentenced to serve a term of supervised release of at least five years and up to life if released from imprisonment and will be required to register as a sex offender.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

 

This case was investigated by the New York State Police and Homeland Security Investigations with assistance provided by the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office.  The case is being  prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa Fletcher, Project Safe Childhood Coordinator for the Northern District of New York, and Assistant United States Attorney Carina Schoenberger. 

 

Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS).  Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

Updated December 14, 2017

Topic
Project Safe Childhood