Upstate New York man charged with producing and possessing child pornography

ALBANY, N.Y. – An upstate New York man has been charged with producing and possessing child pornography. This investigation is being conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

A two-count complaint charges Nathan Brown, 32, of Dolgeville, N.Y., with producing and possessing child pornography. Between Jan. 1, 2010 and Feb. 8, 2012, Brown produced images of child pornography; and on or about March 9, 2012, Brown knowingly possessed images of child pornography. If found guilty, he faces up to 30 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.

"This arrest sends a strong message to anyone who would even consider exploiting children in this manner," said Nick DiNicola, assistant special agent in charge of HSI Albany. "People who create and possess child pornography are putting our children at risk. HSI will continue to work closely with our federal, state and local partners throughout New York state to seek justice for those who perpetrate these crimes."

Brown appeared on the charge before U.S. Magistrate Judge David R. Homer. He was ordered detained pending his next court appearance scheduled for March 14, 2012.

HSI's ongoing efforts to target suspects involved in child exploitation offenses are part of Operation Predator, a nationwide HSI initiative to protect children from sexual predators, including those who travel overseas for sex with minors, Internet child pornographers, criminal alien sex offenders and child sex traffickers. HSI encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or by completing its online tip form. Both are staffed around the clock by investigators.

Suspected child sexual exploitation or missing children may be reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, an Operation Predator partner, at 1-800-843-5678 or http://www.cybertipline.com.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Belliss, Northern District of New York.