A New York State Corrections officer has been arrested on child pornography charges.
Joseph Chojnacki, 26, of Cheektowaga, was indicted for receipt and possession of child porn, based upon a tip by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
A federal search warrant was executed at Chojnacki's residence on Louis Street. Authorities say that resulted in the seizure of computers and other electronic devices with some 8,500 child porn images and 200 videos.
U.S. Attorney James Kennedy said it difficult work for agents who do it every day.
"Very disturbing cases. The images, once you see them, you can't unsee them," Kennedy said. "They have individuals who work online 24/7 monitoring what's going on and they provide leads for law enforcement. So it's awful work, it's very grueling work, it's very disturbing work, but it takes really special people to be able to sort of put aside the personal trauma caused by in order to save the kids, and that's what it's all about."
Kennedy said agents also maintain a database of images for use by prosecutors, but receive mental health resources to help them with their job.
Chojacki made an initial appearance Tuesday morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah McCarthy and was released on home detention. If convicted, he faces from five to 20 years in prison and a possible fine of $250,000.
