Forestville Man Pleads Guilty To Child Pornography Charges

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

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Richard C. Miller, 51, of Forestville, NY, pleaded guilty to receipt and possession of child pornography before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. The charges carry a minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum penalty of 40 years, and a $500,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan P. Cantil, who is handling the case, stated that between 2006 and 2009, Miller produced child pornography by filming himself engaged in a sexual act with a minor. Between January 2016 and March 2017, Miller and co-defendant Harvey exchanged images of child pornography and engaged in illicit discussion regarding child pornography and pedophilia. In addition, a search of the residence shared by the defendants revealed multiple electronic devices that contained child pornography. 

Charges remain pending against Joseph Harvey. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.   

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

Sentencing is scheduled for August 28, 2019, at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Vilardo.