Prior sex offender pleads guilty to new child pornography charge

BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Andrew Yannello, 29, of Tonawanda, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to possession of child pornography following a prior conviction under New York law relating to sexual abuse, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case, stated that in September 2014, Yannello was convicted of Attempted Sexual Abuse in the 1st Degree in New York State Court and sentenced to serve 10 years’ probation. In November 2017, following a probation violation, Yannello was sentenced to serve 1 1/3 to 3 years in prison. On August 23, 2024, investigators executed a search warrant at Yannello’s residence after it was discovered that he uploaded files of child pornography to Facebook and distributed the images to other Facebook users. During the search, a cell phone, laptop computer and desktop computer were seized, and all were found to contain images and videos of child pornography child pornography. Some of the images contained prepubescent minors as well as the sexual abuse of an infant or toddler, and depictions of violence.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera, the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Stauffiger, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto.   

Sentencing is scheduled for March 2, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Vilardo.

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