Genesee Sun

Former Mount Morris sex offender charged with child porn possession

MOUNT MORRIS — A federal investigation that started with a tip from the watchdog group, Project Safe Child, based in Los Angelas, California, has resulted in a Mount Morris man facing child porn charges.

Patrick Welch, 57, from Mount Morris was charged with felonies of knowing possession, and knowing receipt and distribution of child pornography.

According to a press release United States Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. of the Western District of New York and Undersheriff Szczesniak due to Welch's prior conviction, the offense of knowing possession of child pornography  carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years imprisonment and a maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine of $250,000 and the offense of knowing receipt and/or distribution carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years imprisonment and a maximum of 40 years and a fine of $250,000.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany H. Lee stated that according to the complaint, on May 13, 2013, the Livingston County Sheriff's Office received a lead from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office concerning a potential child exploitation case. A Los Angeles County Sheriff's investigator had received a Cyber Tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that two individuals appeared to be chatting about and trading child pornography on the internet site tagged.com. Both individuals purported to be teenaged boys. One of the individuals chatting allegedly used the screen name "David D" who provided an email address of " This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ." A search warrant was executed on the email account of " This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. " and several images of child pornography were found. The internet protocol address for "David D" was identified as being registered to Welch's address on Scipio Road, Mt. Morris, NY. On May 21, 2013, a search warrant was executed at Welch's residence and allegedly Welch admitted to using the " This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. " email address and admitted to trading child pornography over the last year. A forensic preview of one of Welch's computers was conducted and several images of child pornography were found.
        
In 2003, Welch was convicted in Livingston County of course of sexual conduct against a child and following his conviction, he was required to register as a sex offender.

The release states that the case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States 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 exploitchildren via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov

20 arrests in massive undercover drug investigation

LIVINGSTON COUNTY — A county-wide undercover operation has resulted in 20 arrests on multiple drug charges, many of which are felony offenses. One person is reportedly still at large.

As of Thursday morning, the following names are known to be arrested: Parris McWilliams, Ryan Nerby, Christopher Partridge, Colin Phillips, and Paul Primeaux III.  An arrest warrant has also been issued for Marquis Morris, who is still at large,

According to a press release by Undersheriff Jim Szczesniak, a press conference is scheduled for 1 p.m. Thursday. 

Those charged are expected to be arraigned in Livingston County Court at approximately 9 a.m. Thursday morning. 

The GeneseeSun.com will be live streaming the audio from the press conference at TV.GeneseeSun.com.

DA McCaffrey, 'We hit the mother lode'

LIVINGSTON COUNTY —  A Livingston County drug task force effort has netted 20 alleged dealers in a county wide sweep resulting in multiple felony charges.

"Livingston County has always taken a strong stance on drugs," said Undersheriff Jim Szczesniak, while standing in front of the newly formed join drug task force. "We have formalized a drug task force this year under Jeff Weiderick's leadership and this is a clear example of the success we have. The bail that the courts emplaced clearly says that narcotics trafficking in Livingston County is going to be held accountable."

The substances involved in the operation consisted of cocaine, prescription pills, and high end marijuana. Officials estimated that $4,000 in cash was also seized.

Earlier in the day, during the arraignment, batches of those charged were walked into court in handcuffs.

The following people have been arrested: Ryan Nerby of Lakeville, Brian Nolan of Geneseo, Jesse Hernandez of Piffard, Anthony Andrews of Conesus, Zachary Stephany of Caledonia, Parris Macwilliams of Caledonia, Colin Phillips of Caledonia, Amanda Stewart of Lakeville, Jacob Shamp of Lakeville, Paul Primeaux III of Livonia, Brian Vanwuyckhuyse of Geneseo, Justin Jackson of Mount Morris, Jody root of Mount Morris, Alexander Montalbano of Caledonia, Jennifer Trojanski of Caledonia, Julian Beard of Caledonia, Brandon Cassada of Avon, Christopher Partridge of Groveland.  Marquis Morris of Rochester is still being sought after by authorities.

"When Livingston County Sheriff Deputies entered the residence of Ms. Trojanski we hit the motherload," said Greg McCaffrey, Livingston County District Attorney during court. "We ask that bail be set at $40,0000."

The releases states that Livingston County Sheriff John M. York, Undersheriff James M. Szczesniak, Livingston County District Attorney Gregory McCaffrey join Chief James Noble, Avon Police Department; Chief Daniel Chapman, Caledonia Police Department; Chief Charles Perkins, Dansville Police Department; Chief Eric Osganian, Geneseo Police Department; Chief Jeffrey Wilcox, Nunda Police Department and Chief Ken Mignemi, Mt. Morris Police Department along with members of the Livingston County Law Enforcement Council, Federal Drug Enforcement Agency, New York State Police and New York State Park Police have banded together and will continue their fight against illegal drug trade in Livingston County.

District Attorney McCaffrey stated that the group were all arrested independently and were not affiliated with each other.

To view the press conference from earlier go to the news section of TV.GeneseeSun.com

Undercover operation results in multiple drug related arrests

LIVINGSTON COUNTY — A county wide undercover operation has resulted in multiple arrests on felony drug sales charges.

According to a press release by Undersheriff Jim Szczesniak, a press conference is scheduled for 1 p.m.

Those charged are expected to be arraigned in Livingston County Court at approximately 9 a.m.

The GeneseeSun.com will be live streaming the audio from the press conference at TV.GeneseeSun.com.