Indiana Man 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 Dakota Casey, 27, of Indiana, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford to transportation of child pornography. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Marie P. Grisanti, who is handling the case, stated that on June 27, 2018, the defendant attempted to enter Canada from the United States using the Peace Bridge. On Casey’s cell phone were images of child pornography involving three minor victims. The defendant was refused entry into Canada. Casey and his cell phone were turned over to U.S. authorities at the Peace Bridge Port of Entry.

In addition, between 2017, and June 27, 2018, Casey communicated with minors under the age of 18 years of age via the internet. Knowing that each was under the age of 16, the defendant requested that four victims take and send him child pornography images of themselves. Some of the images Casey persuaded two of the victims to produce portrayed sadistic conduct. The defendant also sent a naked photo to two of the victims. 

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 October 24, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. before Judge Wolford.

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