BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Tristan Pearson, 26, Erie, PA, pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan P. Cantil and Raymond J. Fadel, who are handling the case, stated that between January and May 2018, Pearson knowingly engaged in a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old female (Victim) in the Western District of New York. On two separate occasions, Pearson filmed himself having sexual relations with the Victim using his cellular telephone. Pearson then distributed those videos to others via text message.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.
Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date. #
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys