BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr.
announced today that Scott Aikens, 60, of Clymer, NY, was arrested and charged
by criminal complaint with possession of child pornography. The charge carries
a mandatory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy V. Murray, who is
handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in late June 2018,
Homeland Security Investigations in Buffalo received information that a user,
identified as "EJD," was active on the Thai based child pornography
open website "Boyxzeed2.net.” Investigators traced the email address
utilized by “EJD” to the defendant.
On September 14, 2018, a search warrant was executed at the
defendant’s residence on Route 474 in Clymer. During the search, multiple
electronic devices were recovered, including a laptop and two desktop
computers. At the time that the search warrant was executed, HSI special agents
observed Aikens sitting in front of his computer. According to the complaint,
there were multiple images on the computer screen of young prepubescent males
with their genitals exposed.
The defendant is a 7-12 grade school teacher with the Clymer
Central School District.
Aikens made an initial appearance this afternoon before U.S.
Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder and is being held pending a detention
hearing on September 18, 2018 at 1:00 p.m.
Members of the public who have specific information related
to this case are urged to contact the HSI Buffalo Office at 716-464-6070. HSI victim-witness
specialists will be available to assist any parent or guardian should they need
victim-related resources. If any members of the public have general questions
or concerns regarding sexual abuse of children or would like guidance on how to
discuss this issue with children, please call Child Advocacy Program at
716-338-9844. The criminal 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.
