A Delaware County man has been taken into federal custody after being charged with sexually exploiting a child, according to prosecutors in the Northern District of New York.
Brent G. Trimbell, 44, was arrested Sunday and made his initial court appearance Monday on a federal charge that carries a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison if convicted. He had previously been released on bail after facing related state charges, including rape and aggravated sexual abuse.
According to the federal complaint, Trimbell persuaded a female child to produce and send him sexually explicit videos through social media. Prosecutors allege he also had sexual contact with the victim on at least three occasions and sent her videos of himself engaging in explicit acts.
“Trimbell was charged with serious state sex offenses but was released on bail. Now, Trimbell is in federal custody—facing serious federal offenses,” said Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III. “This is how we keep the children in our community safe.”
The case is being investigated by the FBI and the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative targeting child sexual exploitation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. Gadarian is prosecuting the case.
Trimbell was remanded to U.S. Marshals custody pending further proceedings. If convicted, he faces up to 30 years in prison, lifetime supervised release, registration as a sex offender, and potential restitution.
“The FBI, together with our law enforcement partners, will continue to coordinate… to ensure anyone hurting our most vulnerable is investigated and brought to justice,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli.
The charges remain allegations. Trimbell is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
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