BUFFALO, N.Y. – Steven Gasiorek, 33, of Cheektowaga, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession of child pornography. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Moellering, who is handling the case, state that according to the complaint, on April 10, 2019, the Fauquier County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office contacted the Cheektowaga Police Department regarding a 14 year-old-male from Virginia (Victim 1) who had been communicating through Instagram with a person utilizing Instagram account LEXIGURL1015. Victim 1, who was under the impression that LEXIGURL1015 was a teenage girl from California, sent pornographic images of himself to the account.
Subsequent investigation determined that the account belonged to the defendant, who is a substitute teacher and coach at a local high school. A search warrant was executed at the defendant’s Lehigh Street residence. Investigators seized a laptop computer that contains several images constituting child pornography. Further investigation suggests that Gasiorek has been engaged in this sort of activity for several years.
The defendant made an initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and will be released on conditions.
