Albion man facing federal charges for distribution and possession of child pornography

Press Release, U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr., Western District of New York

BUFFALO – U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that a federal grand jury has returned a four-count indictment charging Spencer Hart, 37, of Albion, NY, with three counts of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. The charges carry a minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a $250,000 fine.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey T. Fiut and Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who are handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, Hart distributed child pornography on March 17, June 21, and June 22, 2020.

In addition, on July 16, 2020, Hart possessed a hard drive containing an image of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor under the age of 12. The defendant was previously convicted on a state charge involving possession of child pornography.

The defendant was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and is being held pending a detention hearing on July 14 at 10 a.m.

The indictment is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Buffalo and Rochester Offices, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia.

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.