ALBANY, NEW YORK – Arthur L. Gurbey, age 46, of Green Island, New York, appeared today on a criminal complaint charging him with receiving and possessing child pornography.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and James N. Hendricks, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

According to the complaint, Gurbey became involved in a text message conversation with an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a 15-year-old girl.  Gurbey arranged to meet with the girl at what he believed to be the girl’s residence in Saratoga County.  When Gurbey approached the residence, investigators appeared and Gurbey attempted to discard his cell phone.  The cell phone contained video and image files depicting the sexual abuse of children. 

If convicted, Gurbey faces at least 5 years and up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

Gurbey, who was arrested Tuesday, appeared today before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart, and was ordered detained.  Gurbey also faces state charges in Milton Town Court relating to his discussions with the undercover police officer.

This case is being investigated by the FBI and its Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members of state and local law enforcement agencies including the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office and the Colonie Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett.