Lawrence Boone, 28, of Syracuse, pleaded guilty Thursday to multiple counts of receiving, distributing, and possessing child pornography. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Carla B. Freedman, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Matthew Scarpino, and New York State Police (NYSP) Superintendent Steven G. James.
From August to November 2023, Boone received and shared child pornography through a smartphone messaging app. He exchanged illicit images and videos with other users, leading to his arrest on November 21, 2023. Multiple electronic devices were seized from Boone, and forensic analysis confirmed the presence of numerous pornographic images and videos of children.
Boone is scheduled for sentencing on November 25, 2024, before U.S. Chief District Judge Brenda K. Sannes. He faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison for the receipt and distribution charges, with each charge carrying a maximum term of 20 years. Additionally, Boone could be fined up to $250,000 and will serve a supervised release term of five years to life. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.
The investigation was conducted by HSI, the NYSP Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the NYSP Troop D Computer Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Gillis is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.
Project Safe Childhood, initiated by the Department of Justice in May 2006, coordinates efforts to combat child exploitation through federal, state, and local resources. The initiative focuses on apprehending and prosecuting offenders while identifying and rescuing victims.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit Project Safe Childhood.
Boone’s guilty plea highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to protect children from online predators and bring justice to those who exploit vulnerable individuals. The case serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences of such crimes.
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