TLDR:
- Matthew A. Steele, 53, from Elma, New York, has been arrested and charged with the production and distribution of child pornography.
- The arrest was made possible through the use of facial recognition technology and cross-border cooperation.
In a groundbreaking use of technology, Matthew A. Steele, 53, from Elma, New York, has been arrested and charged with the production and distribution of child pornography. The charges could result in a prison sentence ranging from a mandatory minimum of 15 years to a maximum of 30 years. The arrest followed an international investigation initiated by a referral from the Queensland Police Service in Australia to the Department of Homeland Security Cyber Crimes Center. The investigation identified previously unknown child exploitation material involving a young victim through facial recognition technology, leading Homeland Security Investigations to Steele’s residence where corroborating evidence was found. The case, highlighting the effectiveness of cross-border cooperation and advanced technology in combating child exploitation, is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango. Steele remains innocent until proven guilty.