Two Upstate New York Senior Citizens Indicted In Child Pornography Conspiracy
Friday, October 11, 2024, 12:25 P.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
SYRACUSE, NJ.- Last week, John Kelly, 82, of Rome, New York, and Richard Hockersmith, 65, of Plattsburgh, New York, appeared in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York and were arraigned on an indictment charging each man with Conspiring to Possess and Distribute Child Pornography, utilizing the United States Postal Service.
Kelly and Hockersmith were also charged in the indictment with Receiving Child Pornography; Possession of Child Pornography; and Distribution of Child Pornography. Following being arraigned on the charges, a U.S. District Court Judge ordered both men to be detained in federal custody pending trial.
According To The U.S. Attorney
According to U.S. Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Feild Office of Homeland Security Investigation. The charging information unsealed in the indictment alleges that beginning on August 19, 2022, and lasting through September 10, 2024, Kelly and Hockersmith conspired to receive and distribute child pornography, which the two also possessed on multiple electronic devices.
   If convicted, Kelly and Hockersmith each face from 5 years and up to 20 years in federal prison for the conspiracy and receipt and distribution counts, and up to 20 years each for the possession of child pornography. They each also face a fine of $250,00 and at least five years and up to life of supervised release upon completing their prison term.
The Two Men Will Be Required To Pay Restitution
Kelly and Hockersmith will be required to register as sex offenders in the national database and $3,000 in restitution to each identified victim.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.
“The rules of the court require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.”
