(WNY News Now) – BUFFALO, N.Y. — A federal grand jury has returned a 39-count indictment against a Tonawanda man accused of producing, distributing, and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and traveling across state lines to engage in sexual conduct with a minor.
U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced that Trevor Knapp, 34, of Tonawanda, New York, has been charged with 15 counts of production of CSAM, two counts of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, one count of distribution of CSAM, 19 counts of receipt of CSAM, and two counts of possession of CSAM. If convicted on all counts, Knapp faces a maximum possible sentence of 930 years in prison.
According to prosecutors, the case stems from an investigation that began in April 2024 when a 17-year-old girl contacted the Flagstaff Police Department in Flagstaff, Arizona, reporting she was being harassed online by Knapp.
Authorities allege the victim first met Knapp in 2020 on the friend-finding website MyLOL when she was 13 years old. Investigators said their conversations later became sexual in nature. Knapp allegedly sent sexually explicit videos of himself to the minor and repeatedly requested explicit images from her.
Although the victim declined to send nude photos, investigators say Knapp captured screen images of her while she appeared unclothed during video chats. Authorities allege he also communicated with the victim through Google Chat and used multiple email accounts to contact her.
Prosecutors said the victim attempted to block or delete Knapp several times, but he allegedly created new accounts to reestablish contact. Investigators also say Knapp located the victim’s Instagram account and continued messaging her there. Authorities said the victim repeatedly informed Knapp of her true age.
According to the indictment, the victim asked Knapp for months to stop contacting her. Prosecutors say he later requested explicit images involving the victim and her boyfriend. Investigators allege Knapp also sent her a nude image of another minor girl from Pennsylvania. The two minors later communicated with each other about Knapp.
A subsequent investigation traced Knapp to the Western District of New York.
On Oct. 10, 2024, investigators executed a search warrant at Knapp’s residence in Tonawanda, New York. Authorities seized two cell phones that allegedly contained child pornography. Prosecutors said a preliminary search recovered a sexually explicit video involving Knapp and the first victim.
The indictment alleges offenses involving six minor victims. Authorities also claim Knapp traveled across state lines on two occasions to engage in sexual activity with one of the victims.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, and the Flagstaff Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango is prosecuting the case.
Authorities emphasized that the charges are allegations. Knapp is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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