Ryan M. Newman, a 33-year-old resident of Corning, New York, has pleaded guilty to producing child pornography. U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced the plea, which was entered before U.S. District Judge Meredith A. Vacca. Given Newman's status as a convicted sex offender at the time of these crimes, he faces an enhanced minimum penalty of 25 years in prison and could receive up to 50 years, along with a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi provided details on Newman's criminal history, noting that he was previously convicted in 2012 for child pornography offenses by New York State. He served a local jail sentence and was placed on probation for ten years while being required to register as a Level 3 Sex Offender due to his high risk of re-offending.
The case began in January 2021 when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a report from Snapchat about a user uploading child pornography videos. This tip led the New York State Police to execute a search warrant on Newman’s person and residence in 2022, uncovering further evidence of child pornography on his electronic devices.
Despite these findings, Newman remained out of custody until April 2024 when the FBI's Corning office received information about child pornography distribution involving an undercover agent in Illinois. Investigations revealed that Newman had sexually abused a child and produced related pornographic material. Following this discovery, Newman was arrested by the FBI and Corning Police.
Newman is also facing charges in Steuben County Court. The investigation involved efforts from the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Corning Office under Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia and the Corning Police Department led by Chief Kenzie Spaulding.
Sentencing is set for June 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., where Judge Vacca will preside over the proceedings.