Groton Man Accused Of Receiving & Distributing Child Pornography: Feds

GROTON, CT — A 21-year-old Groton man has been charged by federal criminal complaint "with receipt and distribution of child pornography, soliciting child pornography, and possession of child pornography," announced United States Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery. Joining in the announcement was Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations, New England.

Ryan Cameron appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria E. Garcia in New Haven on Thursday, and he has been detained in state custody since his arrest on unrelated state charges in May.

According to allegations in court documents, Cameron was convicted in 2023 in state court of illegal dissemination of intimate images of a 15-year-old female.

In April of this year, while he was on state probation, Cameron's state probation officer conducted a home visit and discovered that Cameron was in possession of a cell phone in violation of the conditions of his probation.

Cameron admitted to his probation officer that there was child pornography on his phone, and after a forensic examination, the phone was found to contain videos and images constituting child pornography. Also located on the phone were messages between Cameron and individuals on messaging applications showing Cameron soliciting and distributing child pornography.

The charges of receipt and distribution of child pornography and soliciting child pornography carry a mandatory minimum prison term of 5 years and a maximum term of 20 years. The charge of possession of child pornography carries a maximum prison term of 20 years.

U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with the assistance of the New Haven Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Lembo.

This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com