Teacher's Aide Arrested For Attempting To Have Sex With A Minor Child

ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Christian Michael Stutes, 23, of Rochester, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, and receipt, distribution, and possession of child pornography involving prepubescent minors. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in April 2019, an undercover FBI Special Agent (UC) received a message from user “Chris Michael/cmrs113,” who was later identified as the defendant. The message received was “Hey,” “Arent you the guy with kids I was talking with.” The UC responded by stating “Yep,” “You in Rochester, NY.” Stutes responded “Yea” “How old r they.”  The UC responded “text me.”

The UC received a text message from the defendant and during the text conversation, Stutes stated he was into young boys, seven to nine years old. The conversation ended with the UC agreeing to allow the defendant to have sexual contact with the UC’s fictitious kids for $200 dollars for each child. Stutes stated he would have to save up the money.

In August of 2019, the defendant contacted the UC again stating that he had enough money now, and was interested in having sexual contact with a young boy. The UC and Stutes agreed to meet on August 30, 2019, with the defendant agreeing to pay $150.00 dollars in exchange for having sex with the UC’s fictitious 9-year-old son. However, later that day, Stutes contacted the UC and stated that he no longer had $150.00 available and he did not attempt to meet the UC.

The UC and the defendant did not have contact again until December 2, 2019, at which time Stutes stated that he had a good paying job and “i can actually afford the deal we talked about with Adam… If that’s still cool.” The UC and the defendant made plans to meet on December 13, 2019, at a predetermined location. When Stutes arrived at approximately 8:30 p.m., he was taken into custody and found to be in possession of $150.00 and a cell phone.

Subsequent investigation determined that Stutes is currently employed as a teacher’s aide at a local child care facility, and was previously employed at various children’s camps.

An initial review of the defendant’s cell phone determined that sent and received numerous images of child pornography on an online messaging application. At least one image portrayed the rape of a toddler.

The defendant made an initial appearance before U.S Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen and was held pending a detention hearing on December 17, 2019.

United States Attorney Kennedy requests that members of the public who have specific information related to this case call the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force at 585-279-0185.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Child Exploitation Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.