Edward Forrester, a 67-year-old resident of Attica, New York, has been charged by criminal complaint with production and possession of child pornography following a previous conviction. U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced the charges, which carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron J. Mango and Evan K. Glaberson, the investigation began in April 2022 when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) notified the New York State Police that an individual using the name “edward forrester” had uploaded suspected child pornography to YouTube. One video was described as “UNFAMILIAR and may depict NEWLY PRODUCED and/or HOMEMADE CONTENT.” Investigators later identified a victim depicted in the video.
On May 5, 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant on a camper and two vehicles belonging to Forrester at his brother’s property in Wyoming County. Authorities seized a cell phone and tablet during this operation. Forrester was subsequently charged in New York State Court with one count of Sexual Abuse First Degree and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Additional searches at his then-residence in Corfu, NY resulted in the seizure of two more cell phones; forensic review uncovered four images believed to be child pornography, including an image featuring the identified victim.
The FBI Buffalo Field Office is asking anyone with information related to this case to contact them at (716) 617-3250.
The investigation involved both the Federal Bureau of Investigation, led by Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera, and the New York State Police under Major Amie Feroleto.
“The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.”
