Manhattan U.S. Attorney Announces Arrest Of Bronx Teacher For Possessing And Distributing Child Pornography

Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, James T. Hayes, Jr., 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 Raymond W. Kelly, the Police Commissioner of the City of New York (“NYPD”), announced today the arrest of JOSHUA CONDE for possessing and distributing child pornography. CONDE, 26, a teacher at a children’s daycare and after-school facility in the Bronx, was arrested by HSI agents yesterday morning at his Bronx residence. He was presented yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Theodore H. Katz in Manhattan federal court.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said: “Joshua Conde’s close proximity to children makes his alleged possession and distribution of child pornography all the more disturbing. As we have said repeatedly, we have zero tolerance for the exploitation of children and we will prosecute and punish those who engage in this conduct.”
ICE HSI Special Agent-in-Charge James T. Hayes, Jr. said: “Identifying, arresting and bringing to justice members of our society who seek to exploit our children is one of this agency’s top priorities. Today’s arrest serves as a reminder that such exploitation can occur in many different ways and reinforces the public’s need for vigilance and awareness.”
NYPD Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly said: “New York City Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly said, "Nothing is more painful than crimes that target children. This case is particularly disturbing because the suspect arrested for possessing and distributing child pornography is a teacher at a children’s daycare facility. I commend the NYPD detectives, Federal investigators and the US Attorney's office for this arrest.”
According to the criminal Complaint filed Tuesday, May 15, 2012:

CONDE possessed child pornography that had been downloaded from the Internet and saved onto his computer. He also distributed child pornography over the Internet using file-sharing software. During a search of CONDE’s residence, a computer containing images and videos of minor children engaging in sexually explicit conduct was seized.
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CONDE is charged with three counts of transporting or distributing child pornography, each of which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. CONDE is also charged with one count of possessing child pornography which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, and a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense.

Mr. Bharara praised the outstanding investigative work of ICE HSI and the NYPD. He added that the investigation is continuing.
The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Edward B. Diskant is in charge of the prosecution.
The charge contained in the Complaint is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
ICE HSI encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline at 1-866-347-2423. This hotline is staffed around the clock by investigators.

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