U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo disclosed today the guilty plea of Matthew A. Steele, aged 53, from Elma, New York. Steele appeared before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr., admitting to charges of producing and possessing child pornography. These charges involve a prepubescent minor and carry substantial penalties, including a 15-year mandatory minimum prison sentence, a maximum of 30 years, and a possible $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, overseeing the case, detailed that between July 2008 and July 2010, Steele produced child pornography images involving a minor female, beginning when she was around nine until approximately 12 years old. Steele distributed some images to unidentified individuals. A search warrant executed on March 11, 2024, at Steele’s residence led to the seizure of two electronic devices. A forensic examination revealed numerous explicit images of the victim, taken by Steele, along with 45 other illicit images obtained from the internet. Certain images involved prepubescent minors and depicted violent acts against children.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, led by Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, in collaboration with the New York State Police, directed by Major Amie Feroleto, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
The sentencing is set for August 13, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. before Judge Sinatra.