Steuben County deputy accused of possessing and sharing child pornography was arrested, raising concerns about trust in law enforcement

Steuben County, New York – In a troubling development from Upstate New York, a Steuben County sheriff’s deputy has been arrested on charges related to child pornography. Stuart J. McHenry, 34, from Hornell, has been charged with distribution and receipt of child pornography, as confirmed by a criminal complaint from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York. The allegations cast a shadow over the local community and law enforcement alike.

The charges are serious, with potential ramifications including a mandatory minimum prison sentence of five years, which could extend up to 20 years, along with a hefty fine of up to $250,000. The investigation, which unearthed these disturbing activities, began last year after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a CyberTip. This tip led authorities to an individual using the username “acman990” on the instant messaging app Kik, who was later identified as McHenry.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and New York State Police took swift action. Armed with a search warrant, they raided McHenry’s residence in Hornell, situated approximately 60 miles south of Rochester. During the search, agents confiscated two cell phones, uncovering a trove of evidence. According to U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo, investigators discovered sexually explicit conversations, alongside an array of child pornography videos and images, stored on McHenry’s iCloud and Kik accounts.

The arrest highlights ongoing concerns about the misuse of digital platforms for illicit activities. Kik, a popular messaging app, has faced scrutiny over its potential for anonymous and encrypted communications, which can be exploited for illegal purposes.

As the judicial process unfolds, the case raises broader questions about the screening and monitoring of individuals in positions of trust and authority. The community, grappling with the revelations, awaits further developments as the legal proceedings move forward.

The incident underscores the critical importance of vigilance and swift action by law enforcement agencies in combating child exploitation and ensuring the safety of vulnerable populations.