United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced on Mar. 25 the arrest of Gabrielle Eichert for receiving and distributing child pornography. Eichert was taken into federal custody and presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy in White Plains federal court.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children. Authorities urge anyone with information about potential victims or related offenses to contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation at 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit tips online.
“The sexual exploitation of children is way too common,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “We need to get predators off the streets and send the message: you will be caught, and you will go to prison. As alleged, Gabrielle Eichert received and distributed material that re-victimizes vulnerable children and fuels further abuse. We are committed to identifying and holding accountable those who participate in these offenses. We will use every available tool to protect children and ensure that justice is served. If you have information to report, please contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or https://tips.fbi.gov.”
According to allegations in the complaint, Gregory Graff was previously charged on March 17 with attempted coercion and enticement of a minor following his January arrest by New York State Police in Orange County. The investigation revealed that Graff and Eichert used a chat application to exchange numerous images depicting minors engaged in sexual activity, including prepubescent minors, as well as discussing their mutual interest in such images.
Eichert was arrested on March 24 by New York State Police after admitting she exchanged messages with Graff that included sexually explicit images involving minors.
Eichert, age 32 from Kingston, New York, faces one count of receipt and distribution of child pornography—a charge carrying a minimum sentence of five years in prison up to a maximum sentence of twenty years if convicted; sentencing decisions rest with the judge.
Clayton praised several agencies for their work on this case including multiple units within New York State Police; district attorney offices from Orange County, Dutchess County, Ulster County; Ulster County Sheriff’s Office; as well as the FBI’s Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force.
The prosecution is being managed by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marcia S. Cohen and John Wynne from the White Plains Division.
