Akron Man Pleads Guilty To Possession Of Child Pornography

CONTACT:      Barbara Burns
PHONE:         (716) 843-5817
FAX:            (716) 551-3051

BUFFALO, N.Y.- Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Robert J. Strach, 54, of Akron, NY, pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography, before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott S. Allen, Jr., who is handling the case, stated that Strach was part of an online community dedicated to the exchange and discussion of child pornography.  On March 7, 2016, Special Agents from Homeland Securities Investigations, Child Exploitation Unit, executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence and seized a desktop computer. Forensic examination of the computer revealed that Strach was in possession of two hard drives containing 76 videos and 273 images of child pornography, some of which depicted children less than 12 years old, and some of which contain depictions of violence.

The plea is the result of an investigation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, Child Exploitation Unit, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge James C. Spero. 

Sentencing is scheduled for March 24, 2016 at 12:30 before Judge Arcara.