BUFFALO — A 48-year-old Williamsville man was charged Thursday with possession of child pornography depicting minors less than 12 years of age. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott S. Allen, Jr., who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, Troy Malecki was part of an online community dedicated to the exchange and discussion of child pornography. On Sept. 18, 2015, Special Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence and seized his cellular phone. A forensic examination revealed Malecki was in possession of more than 850 images of child pornography, some of which depicted prepubescent children less than 12 years of age.

Malecki made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was ordered to abide by the conditions of the Home Confinement Program, which requires that he be electronically monitored.

The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Violent Crimes Against Children Program, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Adam S. Cohen.

from US Dept. of Justice via IFTTT