A Ransomville resident has been sentenced to federal prison for possessing child pornography involving a prepubescent minor, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced Thursday.
John Stuart, 37, was sentenced to 36 months in prison and 25 years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. Stuart must also register as a sex offender.
The case began in August 2019 when the FBI received a lead that an online user accessed child sexual abuse material on the Tor network. Investigators traced the activity to Stuart’s IP address. A search of his home in October 2020 led to the seizure of multiple devices containing thousands of videos and images of child pornography, including violent depictions.
Agents also found live marijuana plants, over a pound of dried marijuana, and three firearms. As a chronic marijuana user, Stuart was prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force and the Cheektowaga Police Department.
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