Mark Tremblay, a 34-year-old resident of Rensselaer, New York, has been arrested and charged with the sexual exploitation of a child. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Buffalo Field Office.
The criminal complaint states that on or around November 13, 2024, Tremblay allegedly used a child born in 2023 to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the creation of child pornography. It is further alleged that he distributed these images over the Internet. "The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty."
Tremblay appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Christian F. Hummel and was ordered detained. If convicted, he faces a prison sentence ranging from 15 to 30 years, fines up to $250,000, and a supervised release term between five years and life. Additionally, Tremblay could be required to pay restitution to the victim and forfeit any device used in the offense. Upon release from prison, registration as a sex offender would also be mandatory.
The case is being investigated by HSI with support from the New York State Police (NYSP) and the NYSP Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Allen J. Vickey is prosecuting this case under Project Safe Childhood.
Project Safe Childhood was launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006. It aims to coordinate federal, state, and local resources to better identify and prosecute individuals exploiting children online while rescuing victims. More information can be found at https://www.justice.gov/psc.