Cheektowaga man admits to possession of child pornography, over 8k videos recovered

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A Cheektowaga man pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor after thousands of videos and images were found at his residence, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced Thursday.

In August 2019, the FBI received a tip that an online user accessed child sexual abuse and exploitation material through an anonymous communication network three months earlier. Officials said the IP address was traced to 35-year-old John Stuart.

In October 2020, law enforcement seized two laptops, a cell phone, a hard drive and a desktop computer tower from Stuart's residence while executing a search warrant. In total, approximately 8,153 videos of child pornography were recovered as well as approximately 2,330 images, according to officials.

Some images allegedly included depictions of violence against the children.

If convicted, Stuart faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing has yet to be scheduled.