Former New York State Corrections Officer Pleads Guilty To Child Pornography Charge

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

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Joseph Chojnacki, 26, of Cheektowaga, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine. 

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Murray, who is handling the case, stated that after receiving a tip of suspected child pornography from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Homeland Security Investigations traced the suspected child pornography to the defendant, a New York State Corrections Officer. 

On May 9, 2019, a federal search warrant was executed at Chojnacki’s Louis Street residence. Investigators seized various computers, electronic devices, and electronic media. A total of approximately 3,814 images and 138 videos of child pornography were discovered on the defendant's electronic devices. Some of the images depicted prepubescent minors less than 12 years old, as well as sexual abuse or exploitation of an infant or toddler.

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 January 30, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. before Judge Arcara.  

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