Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 39-year-old Jose R. DeJesus of Buffalo was arraigned this morning before Erie County Court Judge Suzanne Maxwell Barnes on an indictment charging him with one count of Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child (Class “D” felony) and four counts of Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child (Class “E” felonies).
It is alleged that on or about January 4, 2022, the defendant possessed, with the intent to view, images and videos of child pornography. The defendant is also accused of sharing an image that depicted sexual conduct by a child with another user through a website. At the time of the alleged crime, the defendant was employed as a firefighter with the Buffalo Fire Department.
DeJesus is scheduled to return on Friday, May 26, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. for motions. Prosecutors requested that the defendant be held on $15,000 cash, $15,000 bond or $50,000 partially secured surety bond. Judge Maxwell Barnes continued the defendant’s release under supervision.
If convicted of the highest charge, DeJesus faces a maximum sentence of 7 years in prison.
DA Flynn commends the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Troop A Computer Crimes Unit as well as the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) for their work in this investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Rachel Kranitz McPhee of the Special Victims/Domestic Violence Bureau.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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