Edward Forrester, 67, of Attica, New York, has been charged by criminal complaint with production and possession of child pornography following a prior conviction. The charges were announced by U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo and carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron J. Mango and Evan K. Glaberson, the case began in April 2022 when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children notified the New York State Police that a Google user named “edward forrester” had uploaded suspected child pornography to YouTube. One video was described as “UNFAMILIAR and may depict NEWLY PRODUCED and/or HOMEMADE CONTENT.” Investigators identified a victim depicted in the video.
On May 5, 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant on a camper and two vehicles belonging to Forrester at his brother’s property in Wyoming County. A cell phone and tablet were seized during this operation. Forrester was subsequently charged in New York State Court with one count of Sexual Abuse First and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Authorities also searched Forrester’s then-residence in Corfu, NY, seizing two additional cell phones. A forensic review later uncovered four images suspected to be child pornography, including an image of the identified victim.
The FBI Buffalo Field Office is asking anyone with specific information about this case to contact them at (716) 617-3250.
U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo stated: “The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.”
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation under Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera and the New York State Police under Major Amie Feroleto.
