CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051
BUFFALO, N.Y.- Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Robert Acker, 34, of Cheektowaga, NY, pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott S. Allen, Jr., who is handling the case, stated that on September 1, 2016, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence and seized several electronic devices and DVD’s. Forensic examination determined that Acker was in possession of more than 7,000 images of child pornography, some of which depict prepubescent children less than 12 years of age, and some of which depict images of violence.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Adam S. Cohen.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 20, 2017, at 9:00 a.m. before Judge Vilardo.