A Webster man is facing serious federal charges after investigators uncovered thousands of illegal images tied to crimes that happened while he was living in Wayne County.
Prosecutors say 40-year-old Geoffrey Hayes has been charged with possession, receipt, and distribution of child pornography — crimes that carry a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison and up to 40 years if he’s convicted.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn Hartford, the case began in November 2023 when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a CyberTip from a company that operates online chatroom sites. Investigators say Hayes uploaded several images of suspected child pornography to one of those sites. He is already a registered sex offender, previously convicted in 2021 of attempted possession of a sexual performance by a child.
In May 2024, state police searched Hayes’ home and seized two cell phones. Forensic analysis uncovered thousands of files containing suspected child pornography and other illegal content involving minors.
Hayes, who now resides in Webster, was brought before a federal magistrate judge and is being held while he awaits a detention hearing.
The investigation involved New York State Police, Homeland Security Investigations, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
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