Nicholas Pagliuca Downloaded Hundreds of Files Containing Images and Videos of Child Pornography
Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Angel M. Melendez, the Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), and George P. Beach II, the Superintendent of the New York State Police (“NYSP”), announced the arrest of NICHOLAS PAGLIUCA, a teacher at a high school in the town of Mamaroneck, stemming from his possession and receipt of child pornography. PAGLIUCA was arrested and will be presented today before United States Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy in White Plains federal court.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said: “As alleged, Nicholas Pagliuca, a teacher at a local high school, tapped into a website full of illegal child pornography to download images and videos. Investigation and prosecution of these crimes are critical in protecting our children.”
HSI Special Agent-in-Charge Angel Melendez said: “Individuals who take pleasure in downloading videos and photos of young children being sexually exploited need to be brought to justice, especially those whose jobs give them access to children, as in this case. HSI is putting child predators on notice that we will not stop tracking and arresting these depraved individuals until the threat to children is no more.”
Superintendent George P. Beach II said: “Anyone involved in child pornography, promoting the acts of child predators, or who performs predatory acts against children must understand that such crimes will not be tolerated. We will continue to work with our partners to thoroughly investigate and prosecute these illicit activities. Children must be protected, not preyed upon.”
According to the Complaint[1] filed today in federal court:
In October 2012, an individual who was later identified as PAGLIUCA registered for a 30-day subscription to a website that is a popular means for individuals to trade child pornography images and videos. PAGLIUCA downloaded hundreds of files containing images and videos of child pornography, many of which depicted prepubescent children engaged in sexual activity with adults or other children. Using the email address PAGLIUCA used to register with the website, agents with HSI and officers of the NYSP confirmed PAGLIUCA’s identity and his occupation as a teacher at a public high school in Mamaroneck, New York. PAGLIUCA was arrested at his residence in Somers, New York.
NICHOLAS PAGLIUCA, 65, of Somers, New York, is charged with one count of possession of child pornography (Count One), which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of receipt of child pornography (Count Two), which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Any individuals who believe they have information concerning NICHOLAS PAGLIUCA that may be relevant to the investigation should contact HSI at through its toll-free hotline at 1-866-DHS-2ICE; TTY for hearing impaired: (802) 872-6196. This hotline is staffed around-the-clock by investigators.
Mr. Bharara praised the efforts of HSI and the New York State Police in this investigation. He added that the investigation is continuing.
This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant United States Attorney Gillian Grossman is in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth below constitute only allegations and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
