James M. Lajoie, a 30-year-old resident of Appleton, New York, has pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography after a prior conviction for sexual abuse under New York law. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo. Lajoie faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and could receive up to 20 years, along with a possible $250,000 fine.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, Lajoie was previously convicted in June 2016 of Attempted Sexual Abuse in the First Degree and served three years in prison followed by ten years of post-release supervision. In August 2023, during a home inspection by a New York Parole Officer, an unauthorized cell phone was found at Lajoie’s residence. The device contained approximately 54 images and four videos depicting child pornography, some involving prepubescent minors and acts of violence against children.
Lajoie had obtained the illicit material from the internet. The investigation leading to the plea involved multiple agencies: the Federal Bureau of Investigation led by Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Mark Grimm; the Town of Tonawanda Police Department headed by Chief James Stauffiger; and the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision overseen by Commissioner Daniel F. Martuscello.
Sentencing is set for December 4, 2025 before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.
