Tristan Bass-Krueger, a 32-year-old PhD student from Rochester, New York, was arrested and charged with production, distribution and possession of child pornography as well as enticement of a minor, according to U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo on Mar. 27. The charges carry a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case is significant due to the serious nature of the allegations involving a minor and the potential for substantial criminal penalties if convicted.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Testani said that the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office began investigating after receiving a report from the mother of a 14-year-old who suspected her child was exchanging sexual images with an adult male and possibly having a sexual relationship with him. Investigators found that the child had communicated through Tinder with someone using the name “Tristan,” whose profile indicated he was pursuing a PhD at UR (University of Rochester). The conversations between “Tristan” and the minor were reportedly sexual in nature before moving to WhatsApp messages.
According to investigators, Bass-Krueger is suspected of picking up the minor at home on February 4 for several hours together before returning home. On February 8, Bass-Krueger sent messages acknowledging concerns about their age gap and potential legal consequences: “I really like you an am looking forward to hanging out tomorrow, but tbh I see this relationship ending in heartbreak for you, the age gap just too big to work out long term and I’m risking serious jail time that’ll start to weigh on me more and m.” In further messages exchanged on February 9 regarding possible discovery by others about their relationship, Bass-Krueger wrote: “If you suspect anything delete all our communication and vids.” Investigators also found evidence suggesting that videos were taken during their encounter.
Bass-Krueger was arrested in Atlanta, Georgia on March 25 after being located by authorities there. He made his initial court appearance in Georgia but will be returned to New York for further proceedings.
The investigation involved both local law enforcement from Monroe County Sheriff’s Office under Sheriff Todd Baxter as well as Homeland Security Investigations led by Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan.
Authorities emphasize that these are accusations only; Bass-Krueger is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
