New York high school teacher arrested for child pornography
NEW YORK — A high school teacher in Westchester County was arrested Wednesday on charges of possessing and receiving child pornography.
These charges resulted from an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with assistance from the New York State Police (NYSP).
Nicholas Pagliuca, 65, of Mamaroneck, New York, allegedly downloaded hundreds of files containing images and videos of child pornography.
“Individuals who take pleasure in downloading videos and photos of young children being sexually exploited need to be brought to justice, especially those whose jobs give them access to children, as in this case,” said Angel M. Melendez, special agent in charge of HSI New York. “HSI is putting child predators on notice that we will not stop tracking and arresting these depraved individuals until the threat to children is no more.”
According to the complaint, in October 2012, Pagliuca registered for a 30-day subscription to a website that is a popular means for individuals to trade child pornography. Pagliuca allegedly downloaded hundreds of files containing images and videos of child pornography, many of which depicted prepubescent children engaged in sexual activity with adults or other children.
HSI special agents and NYSP officers confirmed Pagliuca’s identity via the email address used to register with the website, and later identified his occupation as a teacher at a public high school in Mamaroneck. Pagliuca was arrested at his residence in Somers, New York.
Pagliuca is charged with one count of possession of child pornography, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of receipt of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Any individuals who believe they have information concerning Nicholas Pagliuca that may be relevant to the investigation should contact HSI through its toll-free hotline at 1-866-DHS-2ICE; TTY for hearing impaired: (802) 872-6196. This hotline is staffed around-the-clock by investigators.
The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The government’s case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office – Southern District of New York’s White Plains Division.
HSI encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or by completing its online tip form. Both are staffed around the clock by investigators. From outside the U.S. and Canada, callers should dial 802-872-6199. Hearing impaired users can call TTY 802-872-6196.
Suspected child sexual exploitation or missing children may be reported to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, an Operation Predator partner, via its toll-free 24-hour hotline, 1-800-THE-LOST.
For additional information about wanted suspected child predators, download HSI’s Operation Predator smartphone app or visit the online suspect alerts page.
Updated: