Morrisville Man Arrested For Receipt And Possession Of Child Pornography

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Michael Caraher, 26, of Morrisville, New York, was arrested yesterday on charges of receipt and possession of child pornography following the execution of a search warrant at his residence by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation ("FBI"), announced United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian.

The defendant appeared yesterday in federal court in Syracuse, New York, before United States Magistrate Judge Andrew T. Baxter. He is being held in custody pending a detention hearing set for Tuesday, February 2, 2016.

If convicted of receiving and possessing child pornography, Michael Caraher faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five (5) years imprisonment and a maximum term of 20 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life, and mandatory registration as a sex offender. Actual sentences are typically less than the maximum penalties and are imposed by a judge based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

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

This case was investigated by The FBI, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emmet O’Hanlon.