A Lackawanna resident, Maxwell H. Gawley, has pleaded guilty to charges of distributing child pornography. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo. Gawley, aged 34, admitted his guilt before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr., facing a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of 20 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan K. Glaberson, responsible for the case, revealed that in August 2022, Gawley engaged in sexually explicit conversations with a minor via Snapchat. The victim was a 14-year-old male who complied with Gawley's requests for pictures and discussions about sexual contact. During one conversation, Gawley mentioned he "might even have to make a road trip ... [come] see you if we were dating." In September 2022, he shared images and videos of child pornography over Snapchat with another individual.
The plea follows an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations led by Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, the New York State Police under Major Amie Feroleto's direction, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Gawley's sentencing is set for July 8, 2025, before Judge Sinatra.