Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa M. Marangola, who handled
the case, stated that 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 Matacale.
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 text messages Matacale and A.W., an
individual known to law enforcement who had two daughters, ages four and six.
In multiple messages, the defendant requested naked pictures of A.W.’s daughter
stating they would be used for a “research” report. A. W. sent Matacale
approximately a dozen photos between September 2016 and February 2017.
During a review of the defendant’s electronic equipment, law
enforcement officers recovered online conversations between Matacale and a
16-year-old girl from Vermont. At the defendant’s request, the girl sent naked
pictures of herself on three separate dates in August 2017.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Immigration
and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction
of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly.
