Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa M. Marangola, who is handling the prosecution of the case, stated that according to the complaint, in March 2017, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) received information from the Belgian Federal Police that a Belgian citizen identified individuals in the United States as being involved the possession and distribution of child pornography. The Belgian citizen told police that an individual he knew as "Bob" paid him money in exchange for images and videos of child pornography on several occasions. Subsequent investigation determined that “Bob” was defendant Maracle.
On August 28, 2017, a federal search warrant was executed at Matacale’s residence during which various computers and electronic media were seized by law enforcement officers. During an examination of the defendant’s cellular telephone, officers observed the contact name "Ashley Warren." In June 2017, defendant Warren reported to law enforcement officers that she believed Matacale might have inappropriately touched two underage female relatives. A review of text messages between Matacale and Warren revealed that Warren, at Matacale’s request, used her cellular telephone to take and send photos containing images of child pornography to Matacale.
The defendants made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Marian W. Payson and are being held.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly.
