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Press Release

Couple Arrested For Production Of Child Pornography

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of New York

CONTACT:      Barbara Burns
PHONE:         (716) 843-5817
FAX:            (716) 551-3051

ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Alfred Dasilva, 46, of Greece, NY and Sharon Sexton, 45, of Gates, NY, were arrested and charged by criminal complaint with production of child pornography. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of 30 years, a $250,000 fine or both.
 
Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig R. Gestring, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, the investigation began when a school resource officer employed by the Gates Police Department was informed by a school official that Sexton was taking nude photos of a female student. The ensuing investigation determined that Sexton sent these photos to her boyfriend, Alfred Dasilva. Sexton was interviewed by law enforcement and admitted to both taking the photos and then sending them to Dasilva. She told officers that she took the photos and sent them to Dasilva because he asked her to, and that Dasilva used the naked photos to “fantasize.” 

The complaint also states that federal investigators examined Dasilva’s cellphone and also located a video of a child performing oral sex on Dasilva. The complaint identifies Sexton as the person who took the video. Several online chats were also recovered from the cellphone in which Sexton and Dasilva graphically discussed engaging in sexual conduct with children.

One of the text messages from Dasilva to Sexton referred to “kids at school.” At the time, Sexton was employed as a daycare worker at a local child care facility. Dasilva is also being prosecuted by the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office for sexual acts involving a minor. Anyone with information regarding Dasilva or Sexton’s contact or attempted contact with minors should call the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Rochester at 585-546-2220.

The defendants made an initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa and are being detained. A detention hearing is scheduled for June 15, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Marian W. Payson.  

The criminal complaint is the culmination of a joint investigation by the Gates Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Task Force consisting of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, the Rochester Police Department, the Greece Police Department and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations.

The fact that the defendants have been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Updated June 11, 2015