CONTACT: Barbara Burns

PHONE: (716) 843-5817

FAX #: (716) 551-3051

ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Sean Blackwell, 35, of Gates, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 48 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who handled the case, stated that Blackwell was discovered actively trading child pornography from an apartment in Gates during an operation conducted by the FBI. Special Agents executed a search warrant at a residence that the defendant occupied during the period in question and seized digital items belonging to Blackwell. A forensic examination determined that the items contained multiple images and videos of child pornography, including images that depicted the sexual abuse of prepubescent minors. 

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Rochester Office, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert. 

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CONTACT: Barbara Burns

PHONE: (716) 843-5817

FAX #: (716) 551-3051

ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Sean Blackwell, 34, of Gates, NY, pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography before U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, lifetime supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that Blackwell was discovered actively trading child pornography from an apartment in Gates during an operation conducted by the FBI. Special Agents executed a search warrant at a residence that the defendant occupied during the period in question and seized digital items belonging to Blackwell. A forensic examination determined that the items contained multiple images and videos of child pornography, including images that depicted the sexual abuse of prepubescent minors. 

Sentencing is scheduled for May 22, 2019, before Judge Wolford.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Rochester Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gary Loeffert.