Formerly Convicted Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to New Child Pornography Charges

July 9, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

A previously convicted sex offender has pleaded guilty to new federal charges involving the distribution, receipt and possession of child pornography, according to US federal prosecutors.

Patrick Weaver, 36, of Waterville, New York, entered a guilty plea in federal court after investigators found that he had continued engaging in illegal activity despite an earlier conviction related to child pornography.

As part of his plea agreement, Weaver admitted that in July 2025 he used an internet-based messaging application on his mobile phone to receive and distribute multiple images and videos of child pornography to other users of the platform.

He also admitted that in February 2026 he possessed additional images and videos of child pornography on another mobile phone.

The announcement was made by John A. Sarcone III, first assistant US attorney, and Anthony Patrone, acting special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Buffalo.

“This defendant’s disturbing conduct continued even after he was first caught and convicted,” Sarcone said, adding that law enforcement agencies worked to investigate and build the case against Weaver.

Patrone said the investigation disrupted Weaver’s use of online platforms to distribute and store material documenting the sexual exploitation of children.

“Together with our law enforcement partners, HSI Syracuse remains firmly committed to pursuing offenders who target children, wherever they operate and however many times they attempt to reoffend,” Patrone said.

Because of Weaver’s previous conviction, the distribution and receipt charges carry potential prison sentences of between 15 and 40 years, while the possession charge carries a possible term of 10 to 20 years.

Each count also carries a fine of up to 250,000 US dollars and a supervised release period ranging from five years to life. Weaver will also be required to continue registering as a sex offender after his release from prison.

Sentencing is scheduled for October 29, 2026, before US District Judge Elizabeth C. Coombe in Syracuse, New York.

HSI investigated the case with assistance from the New York State Police Computer Crimes Unit. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant US Attorney Adrian S. LaRochelle under Project Safe Childhood, a federal initiative focused on combating child exploitation.

Source: FSX Business News