John Peterson, 42, of Jamestown, New York, was arrested and charged with distribution and possession of child pornography by a person with a prior conviction, U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced on April 1. The charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison, up to a maximum of 40 years, and a $250,000 fine.
The case highlights the continued efforts by law enforcement to address repeat offenses involving child sexual abuse material. According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas A.C. Penrose, the complaint states that in June 2025 the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received tips from the messaging app Kik about suspected child pornography files uploaded between June 14 and June 28 using two different usernames. These files were traced back to Peterson after an investigation.
On December 3, investigators executed a search warrant on Peterson’s person and seized his cell phone. Forensic analysis revealed nine image files and five video files believed to be child sexual abuse material; some images included infants and prepubescent children.
Peterson is classified as a level one sex offender due to previous convictions: in Carroll Town Court in 2010 for attempted possession of sexual performance by a child under sixteen; later in Chautauqua County Court in 2023 for possessing such material as well as criminal possession of a firearm.
Peterson appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and is being held pending an April 2 detention hearing.
DiGiacomo said the investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations under Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan 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,” DiGiacomo said.
