OBSERVER Staff Report

BUFFALO — A Forestville man has pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography.

U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced Friday that Joseph Harvey, 55, made his plea before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan P. Cantil, who is handling the case, stated that on May 16, 2016, the defendant possessed 37 videos and 51 images of child pornography. Some of the images included prepubescent minors, and depictions of violence.

In addition, between Jan. 16 and May 14, 2016, the defendant exchanged text messages with another man in which they discussed child pornography. During those text exchanges, Harvey distributed and received images of child pornography.

The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly.

Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 17 at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Vilardo.