CONVICTED FELON PLEADS GUILTY TO NEW CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGE

ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Brett Bedford, 41, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa to possession of child pornography by a person having a prior conviction relating to the possession of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a fine of $250,000.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen M. McCarthy, who is handling the case, stated in November 2020, Bedford was convicted in New York State Court of Possessing Obscene Sexual Performance by a Child Less Than 16, and sentenced to serve six months in prison, followed by 10 years of probation. On January 27, 2025, a Monroe County Probation Officer conducted a home inspection at Bedford’s Penfield residence, during which the probation officer found, among other things, an unauthorized cell phone and SIM cards. A review of the phone recovered over 450 images of child pornography, including images of children engaged in sexual acts with adults. Some of the images depicted violence against children.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera.

Sentencing is scheduled for May 28, 2026, before Judge Siragusa.