Retired School Psychologist Faces Up To 20 Years In Prison After Pleading Guilty To Child Pornography Charge

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that David Michael Calaiacovo, 63, of Hamburg, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles M. Kruly and Meghan A. Tokash, who are handling the case, stated that the defendant is a retired school psychologist. On June 27, 2019, after receiving reports from the National Center For Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) via the New York State Police, Homeland Security Investigations executed a search warrant at Calaiacovo’s residence and found several electronics, including a laptop and a desktop computer. A forensic review of those devices recovered more than 800 images and videos of children being raped, sexually assaulted, or sexually exploited.

The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in Charge Kevin Kelly; the New York State Police, under the direction of Major James Hall; and the National Center For Missing and Exploited Children.

Sentencing is scheduled for September 20, 2021, before Judge Vilardo.