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Press Release

Federal Jury Convicts Akron Man Of Production And Possession 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

BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that a federal jury convicted Joshua A. Schohn, 31, of Akron, NY, of two counts of production of child pornography and two counts of possession of child pornography. The charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison, a combined maximum sentence of 100 years, and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles M. Kruly and Laura A. Higgins, who handled the prosecution of the case, stated that, according to the criminal complaint and the evidence introduced at trial, the mother of two girls reported in March 2019 that she had recently discovered child pornography on a laptop computer belonging to her ex--boyfriend, the defendant. In addition, the complainant stated that Schohn took nude videos of her daughters, then eight and six years old (Victim 1 and Victim 2). The defendant was arrested by the New York State Police on charges of assault and possession of a sexual performance by a child.

During the course of the investigation, state and federal investigators determined that Schohn’s laptop contained more than 5,000 images and videos of child pornography. Investigators also learned that, during an October 2018 trip to a water park in Erie, Pennsylvania, the defendant had produced child pornography involving Victims 1 and 2. Schohn admitted to New York State Police Investigators that he had been collecting child pornography for five years.

The verdict is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Buffalo Office, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major James Hall. 

Sentencing is scheduled for February 23, 2022, at 11:30 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara who presided over the trial of the case.

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Updated November 2, 2021

Topic
Project Safe Childhood