An Alton man has been sentenced in federal court for failing to comply with sex offender registration requirements. Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announced that Chad Amodio, 52, received a sentence of 120 months in federal prison and 20 years of supervised release. In November 2024, Amodio pleaded guilty to three counts of failing to register his online identifiers.
“Sex offenders are legally required to register their online identifiers so law enforcement can monitor and prevent predatory behavior,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack. “The defendant willfully ignored that requirement, undermining a critical safeguard designed to protect children. Today’s sentencing sends a clear message: law enforcement in the Granite State will hold sex offenders accountable when they attempt to evade oversight and will continue to prioritize the safety of our communities, especially our children.”
Under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), individuals convicted of certain sex offenses must report their internet or online identifiers, including screen names and user profiles on social media accounts. Amodio was required to register as a sex offender under SORNA due to his 2014 conviction in the District of Maine. However, between December 2023 and January 2024, he used the screen name “CookieMunchin” in an internet chat room for teenagers without reporting it.
In the chat room, Amodio communicated with someone he believed was a 13-year-old girl. He exchanged numerous sexual messages with her, requested photographs, and suggested meeting in person for illegal sexual activity. Authorities identified Amodio and discovered two other unreported online identifiers.
The charging statute allows for up to 10 years in prison, at least five years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are determined by a federal district court judge based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and relevant statutes.
The United States Marshals Service led the investigation with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations, the Alton Police Department, and the Haverhill Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Hunter and Kasey Weiland prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse.