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U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said in a statement that Nicholas Pagliuca is alleged to have "tapped into a website full of illegal child pornography to download images and videos."
The 65-year-old Pagliuca, who was apprehended at his home in Somers, is expected to go before United States Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy in White Plains Federal Court later Wednesday afternoon.
An individual who was later identified as Pagliuca registered for a 30-day subscription to a website that is a popular means for individuals to trade child pornography images and videos in October 2012, Bharara said.
Pagliuca downloaded hundreds of files containing images and videos of child pornography, many of which depicted prepubescent children engaged in sexual activity with adults or other children, according to Bharara.
Using the email address Pagliuca used to register with the website, agents with HSI and officers of the NYSP confirmed Pagliuca's identity and his occupation as a teacher, Bharara said.
Pagliuca is charged with one count of possession of child pornography (Count One), which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of receipt of child pornography (Count Two), which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Anyone who believe they have information concerning Pagliuca that may be relevant to the investigation should contact HSI at through its toll-free hotline at 1-866-DHS-2ICE; TTY for hearing impaired: (802) 872-6196. This hotline is staffed around-the-clock by investigators.
Bharara praised the efforts of HSI and the New York State Police in this investigation. He added that the investigation is continuing.
This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant United States Attorney Gillian Grossman is in charge of the prosecution.
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