(WNY News Now) – BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that a 28-year-old resident of Canandaigua, NY, was charged by criminal complaint with receipt and possession of child pornography, which carry a minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum of 20 years.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Testani, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in July 2023 and January 2024, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received child pornography CyberTips from Snapchat, stating that an account, later identified as allegedly belonging to Joshua AbrilAlicea, 28, saved, shared, or uploaded files of suspected child pornography on the Snapchat platform. On April 26, 2024, a search warrant was executed at AbrilAlicea’s residence, during which investigators seized several digital devices, including a cell phone. While the search warrant was being executed, AbrilAlicea was observed with a minor age girl (Victim). Subsequent investigation determined that AbrilAlicea had sexual intercourse with the Victim, and he was charged by the New York State Police with Rape in the 3rd degree. The investigation also determined that the Victim sent naked pictures through Snapchat to AbrilAlicea. A forensic analysis of AbrilAlicea’s cell phone recovered several screen captures of Snapchat communications, including the photographs that had been sent by the Victim.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Miklos Szoczei III, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.
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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