Niagara Falls Man Arrested, Charged With Production And Possession Of Child Pornography

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

BUFFALO, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Jonathan R. Cassatt, 34, of Niagara Falls, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with production of child pornography, which carries a minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, and possession of child pornography, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey T. Fiut, who is handling the case, stated that according to the criminal complaint, a witness reported to the Niagara Falls Police Department in November 2019 that Cassatt’s cell phone contained images and videos produced by Cassatt depicting Cassatt and a minor victim engaging in sexual activity.  Law enforcement officers thereafter interviewed Cassatt and searched his cell phone, resulting in the discovery of multiple images and videos depicting Cassatt and the minor victim engaging in sexual acts.

The defendant made an initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy.  He is being held pending a detention hearing on March 12, 2020.

The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert and the Niagara Falls Police Department, under the direction of Chief Thomas Licata.

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.

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