Bronx Man Charged With Possessing And Distributing Child Pornography

Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and James P. O’Neill, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced the arrest today of LANCELOT PAUL LUTCHMAN for possession and distribution of child pornography.  LUTCHMAN will be presented before United States Magistrate Judge Debra Freeman in Manhattan. 

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “As alleged, the defendant possessed and distributed hundreds of files containing child pornography.  Trafficking in child pornography fuels demand for such vile images, which means that in a very real sense, every time an image is shared, a child is victimized.  Working with partners like the NYPD, our mission is to protect children and prosecute child predators.”           

Police Commissioner James P. O’Neill said:  “The defendant in this case is a Bronx man who is charged with possessing and distributing child pornography – hundreds and hundreds of video files.  I want to thank the investigators and prosecutors on this case for their work to hold those who allegedly victimize and exploit children accountable for their crimes.”

According to the allegations in the Complaint filed in Manhattan federal court:[1]

Between January 31, 2016 and January 21, 2017, LUTCHMAN used a peer-to-peer file sharing network to share approximately 845 unique video files known to contain child pornography.  The child pornography included depictions of prepubescent children engaged in sexual activity with other children or adults.  On January 26, 2017, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant for LUTCHMAN’s apartment and recovered his laptop computer, which contained numerous files of child pornography.  As officers were entering the apartment, LUTCHMAN hid the laptop in his oven. 

*                *                *

LUTCHMAN, 44, of the Bronx, New York, is charged with one count of distribution and receipt of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of possession of child pornography, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. 

The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Berman praised the New York City Police Department for its outstanding investigative work.  Mr. Berman also thanked the Bronx District Attorney’s Office for its invaluable assistance with this matter. 

This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit.  Assistant United States Attorney Daniel Loss is in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.