A registered sex offender from Appleton has pleaded guilty to a federal child pornography charge after authorities discovered illicit content on his phone during a parole check.
James M. Lajoie, 30, pleaded guilty Thursday in Buffalo to possession of child pornography following a prior sexual abuse conviction. The charge carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, with a possible maximum of 20 years and a $250,000 fine.
Lajoie was previously convicted in 2016 of attempted sexual abuse in the first degree and served three years in state prison, followed by 10 years of post-release supervision.
In August 2023, a New York parole officer conducting a home inspection found an unauthorized cellphone in Lajoie’s possession. A forensic review uncovered 54 images and 4 videos of child pornography, including material involving prepubescent children and depictions of violence. Investigators determined the content had been downloaded from the internet.
Lajoie is classified as a Level 3 sex offender, indicating a high risk of repeat offense.
The investigation was led by the FBI, the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, and the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 4, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.
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