James Yerdon, a 54-year-old resident of Adams Center, New York, has been charged with possession of child pornography. The announcement was made by United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and New York State Police (NYSP) Superintendent Steven G. James.
The charge against Yerdon includes a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and could lead to a maximum sentence of 20 years. Additionally, he faces a fine up to $250,000 and a term of supervised release ranging from five years to life. Sentencing will be determined by a judge based on the specific statute violated, U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
Yerdon appeared for an arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Thérèse Wiley Dancks in Syracuse, New York. He is currently detained pending further proceedings.
According to the complaint filed against him, during an investigation by NYSP and HSI on May 13, 2025, Yerdon's home was searched due to allegations of hands-on sexual abuse of a child. During this search, authorities found multiple images and videos depicting child pornography on his cellphone. These charges are accusations at this stage; Yerdon is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III expressed gratitude towards HSI and NYSP for their efforts in the investigation: “We thank HSI and the NYSP for their dedication and tireless work on this investigation. The defendant’s actions, as alleged, targeted infants and children, the most vulnerable amongst us. I will not stand for it.”
Erin Keegan stated that “James Yerdon is accused of preying upon defenseless victims–babies and children–for his own despicable sexual gratification.” She emphasized the commitment to ensuring public safety: “Members of the public deserve to feel safe in their neighborhoods and in their own homes."
NYSP Superintendent Steven G. James remarked on the zero tolerance policy towards child pornography: “The State Police have zero tolerance for anyone involved in child pornography... The charge in this case reflects the severity of the crime."
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adrian LaRochelle under Project Safe Childhood—a nationwide initiative aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse through coordinated federal, state, and local resources.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.