A former teacher from an acting school in New York City has been arrested on charges of distributing and possessing child pornography. Samuel Gonzalez, who is also an actor, dancer, and theater producer, is accused of distributing explicit material depicting the sexual abuse of young children, including infants and toddlers. According to official sources, Gonzalez is facing serious legal proceedings following his arrest.
The announcement was made by Jay Clayton, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's New York Field Office. Gonzalez was scheduled to be presented to U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara Moses on the day of the announcement.
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton remarked, "As alleged, Samuel Gonzalez distributed a large volume of child pornography, including images of sexual abuse of children as young as a few months old. The lasting scars from the horrific abuse of children are deeply troubling to all New Yorkers. Together with our partners, we will relentlessly pursue those who victimize children and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law."
FBI Assistant Director Christopher G. Raia stated, "Samuel Gonzalez allegedly distributed thousands of pornographic images of infants and minors to an undercover federal agent over a brief period. Gonzalez’s alleged actions grossly disregarded the victims’ welfare and repeatedly violated their privacy by sharing this twisted material. The FBI is deeply committed to preventing crimes against children and will continue to apprehend any individual who supplies these explicit images."
The complaint reveals that during early 2023, Gonzalez transmitted over 1,500 files containing child pornography to an undercover federal officer via an online messaging application. In June 2023, federal agents executed a judicially-authorized search of Gonzalez’s residence, discovering more than 80 unique child pornography files on his electronic devices.
Gonzalez, 31, residing in Brooklyn, New York, faces one count of distribution of child pornography, carrying a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of twenty years. He also faces a count of possession of child pornography, which holds a maximum penalty of twenty years.
The statutory maximum sentences are determined by Congress, and any final sentencing will be decided by a judge. U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton commended the FBI and the FBI/New York City Police Department Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force for their effective investigative efforts. The case prosecution is being managed by the Office's General Crimes Unit, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine Cheng and Diarra M. Guthrie overseeing the proceedings.
It is important to note that the charges listed are accusations, and Gonzalez is deemed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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