Jay man detained federally in child exploitation case

ALBANY | A Jay man was detained in federal custody following his local arrest on dozens of child sexual exploitation charges. Federal prosecutors said Thursday that former Essex County Sheriff's sergeant Albert Leon, 57, was officially detained June 30. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III; Anthony Patrone, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and New York State Police (NYSP) Superintendent Steven G. James made the announcement, saying 10 cyber tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children led to his arrest. In making his detention decision on June 30, U.S. Magistrate Judge Paul J. Evangelista stated that Leon is a danger to the community. "The reprehensible conduct of this defendant – as alleged, highlights the ongoing dangers that can emerge online and reinforce the importance of online safety," said First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III. "Even more egregious is this defendant was once in a position of trust and swore an oath to uphold our laws and protect our community, which, as alleged, he now has violated that trust. I thank the New York State Police and Homeland Security Investigations for their investigative efforts, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children for their unwavering commitment to protecting our children and partnership in referring this tip to the appropriate law enforcement agencies." Acting Special Agent in Charge HSI Buffalo Anthony Patrone said, "The charges alleged in this case — including the transportation of child pornography and the exploitation of children — are horrific. By acting on multiple investigative leads and working closely with our partners at the Northern District of New York, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the New York State Police, HSI Rouses Point has removed a dangerous predator from the community and helped prevent further victimization. Today's detention ensures the public is safer, and it reinforces HSI's unwavering commitment to protecting children and pursuing those who would exploit them." New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, "Any adult that takes advantage of a child's vulnerability for their own personal gain is deplorable. Sexual acts against children have severe physical and psychological effects that gravely impact the victim's well-being. The State Police will remain united with our law enforcement partners to intercept individuals looking to harm a child in any way." The defendant faces up to 20 years' imprisonment, a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years' imprisonment, supervised release for life, a fine of $250,000, a special assessment of $100, $5,000 per count pursuant to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act, restitution to victims, and sex offender registration. The charge in the complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Homeland Security Investigations are investigating the case with assistance from the New York State Police Special Operations Response Team (SORT). Assistant U.S. Attorney Carling Dunham is prosecuting the case. Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

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Jay man detained federally in child exploitation case

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