Former Clarence Center Soccer Trainer Pleads Guilty To Child Pornography Charge

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Shelby Garigen, 41, of Clarence Center, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to access with intent to view child pornography. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years, and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case, stated that between November 2018 and February 2019, the defendant communicated with two minors (Victim 1 and Victim 2), both of whom were 17-years-old at the time, using the Snapchat application. During Garigen’s communications with Victim 1, she received and viewed approximately three sexually explicit images of Victim 1. During the defendant’s communications with

Victim 2, she received and viewed approximately 10 sexually explicit images of Victim 2. Garigen knew that both victims were minors.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Buffalo Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert, and the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Zack.

Sentencing is scheduled for February 28, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. before Judge Arcara.