Marcell M. Meyer, a 43-year-old citizen of South Africa residing in Sackets Harbor, New York, appeared in federal court on charges of distributing child pornography. The arraignment was announced by United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
As outlined in the criminal complaint, Meyer allegedly used a social networking application to distribute child pornography, targeting users on the platform, including some who identified as children. One incident involved Meyer distributing child pornography to an undercover HSI agent posing as a 13-year-old girl.
The complaint's charges are accusations, and Meyer is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. If convicted, he could face 5 to 20 years of imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000, and supervised release ranging from 5 years to life. Additionally, upon release, Meyer would need to register as a sex offender and might face immigration repercussions.
The investigation was led by HSI offices in Syracuse and Portland, Maine, with assistance from the New York State Police and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine. Prosecuting the case is Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian S. LaRochelle as part of Project Safe Childhood.
Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative dedicated to combating child sexual exploitation and abuse. Under this program, federal, state, and local resources collaboratively work to apprehend and prosecute those exploiting minors online and rescue victims. Additional information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at https://www.justice.gov/psc.