Manhattan U.S. Attorney Charges White Plains Man with Child Pornography Possession

PREET BHARARA, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and JANICE FEDARCYK, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation ("FBI"), announced today the arrest of SAMUEL J. FANELLI on charges of possessing, receiving, and distributing child pornography. FANELLI, 22, was arrested Friday, January 28, 2011 by FBI agents. He was presented on Saturday, January 29, 2011, in White Plains federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge PAUL E. DAVISON.

U.S. Attorney BHARARA stated: "Individuals who receive and distribute child pornography prey on the most vulnerable members of our society, our children. As technology advances and facilitates the spread of child pornography, our office and the FBI continue to work tirelessly to combat this scourge on our community and to protect the innocent from harm."

FBI Assistant Director in Charge FEDARCYK stated: "The FBI remains committed to vigorous enforcement of child pornography laws. The market for child pornography creates demand for images, and the production of those images means the victimization and exploitation of children. Child pornography is not a victimless crime, it is a grave assault on the most innocent of victims."

According to the criminal complaint unsealed earlier today:

FANELLI, possessed child pornography that had been downloaded from the Internet. During a search of FANELLI's residence prior to his arrest, FANELLI's computer was seized and was found to have more than 10,000 images and videos of child pornography.

FANELLI is charged with one count of possessing child pornography and one count of receiving and distributing child pornography. Upon conviction, the first count carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. The second count carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years, a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense.

Mr. BHARARA praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and thanked the Westchester County District Attorney's Office and the New Rochelle and Larchmont Police Departments for their efforts. He added that the investigation is continuing.

Mr BHARARA requests that any individuals with relevant information contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation in White Plains, New York at (914) 989-6000.

The prosecution is being handled by the Office's White Plains Division. Assistant United States Attorney REBECCA MERMELSTEIN is in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.