Blasdell Man Pleads Guilty To Possession Of Child Pornography

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

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Shawn Kostelny, 56, of Blasdell, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $250,000.   

Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Rudroff, who is handling the case, stated that in June 2020, Kostelny distributed images of child pornography to an undercover officer over the internet, using Peer-to-Peer software. On August 14, 2020, a search warrant was executed at Kostelny's residence, during which numerous electronics were seized, including a hard drive. A subsequent search of hard drive recovered over 600 images of child pornography. Some of the images included prepubescent minors, the sexual abuse or exploitation of an infant or toddler, and depictions of violence.

The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino.

Sentencing is scheduled for November 22, 2022, before Judge Sinatra.

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