A federal grand jury has returned a 39-count indictment charging Trevor Knapp, 34, of Tonawanda, New York, with multiple offenses related to child pornography and illicit sexual conduct, U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced on Mar. 11. The charges include production, distribution, and possession of child pornography as well as traveling across state lines to have sex with a minor victim. If convicted on all counts, Knapp faces a maximum penalty of 930 years in prison.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about online exploitation of minors and the use of digital platforms to facilitate illegal activity involving children. Law enforcement agencies emphasize the importance of vigilance by both parents and young people when interacting online.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, the indictment and a previously filed complaint allege that in April 2024, a 17-year-old female contacted the Flagstaff, Arizona Police Department reporting harassment by Knapp, whom she met online in 2020 when she was just 13 years old. Their communications reportedly became sexual in nature over time. Despite repeated requests from the minor for Knapp to cease contact—including blocking him—he allegedly used new accounts to continue reaching out through various platforms such as Google Chat and Instagram.
Investigators say Knapp sent sexually explicit videos of himself to the minor victim and requested nude images from her; although she declined these requests, he allegedly captured images during video chats without her consent. The investigation also revealed that Knapp sent an explicit image of another minor victim living in Pennsylvania to the first victim. The two minors later communicated about their experiences with Knapp.
Authorities executed a search warrant at Knapp’s residence on October 10, 2024, seizing two cell phones containing child pornography. A preliminary search recovered a sexually explicit video involving Knapp and one of the victims. The indictment includes charges relating to six minor victims overall; it also alleges that Knapp traveled interstate twice for sexual encounters with one victim.
The investigation was conducted by the Flagstaff Police Department under Chief Sean Connolly, Town of Tonawanda Police Department under Chief Corey Flatau, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation under Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera.
Officials remind the public that an indictment is only an accusation; defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
