Prior sex offender arrested, charged with distribution of child pornography
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BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A prior sex offender from Tonawanda was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with distribution of child pornography, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced Thursday.
According to the attorney's office, three cybertips involving suspected child pornography reported by Facebook were sent to New York State Police by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children on April 14.
An investigation traced the suspected child pornography to an IP address allegedly belonging to 28-year-old Andrew Yannello.
In 2014, officials say Yannello was convicted on state charges of first-degree sexual abuse, first-degree unlawful imprisonment, forcible touching, and criminal obstruction of breathing/blood circulation.
In November 2017, Yannello violated probation and was sentenced to jail before being released in March 2019, according to the attorney's office.
Yannello faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 40 years if convicted.
Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University.