Press Release
Prior sex offender arrested on new child pornography charges
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of New York
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Andrew Yannello, 28, of Tonawanda, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with distribution of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, and a maximum of 40 years.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case, stated that on April 14, 2024, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children sent three cybertips to the New York State Police involving suspected child pornography that were reported by Facebook. Subsequent investigation traced the suspected child pornography to an IP address belonging to Yannello. On August 23, 2024, a search warrant was executed at Yannello’s residence. In 2014, Yannello was arrested and convicted on state charges of Sexual Abuse in the 1st Degree, Unlawful Imprisonment 1st Degree, Forcible Touching, and Criminal Obstruction of Breathing/Blood Circulation. In November 2017, Yannello violated probation, was sentenced to jail, and released in March 2019.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Stauffiger, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Stanley Edwards.
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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Contact
Barbara Burns
716-843-5817
Updated August 29, 2024
Topic
Project Safe Childhood
Component