A former deputy with the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office has pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography involving prepubescent minors.
Stuart McHenry, of Hornellsville, admitted in federal court before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa that he knowingly possessed digital images and videos of child sexual abuse, including content depicting children under the age of 12 and one infant. The case carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
The investigation began when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children flagged a user on the messaging app Kik for uploading roughly two dozen files of suspected child pornography. Authorities traced the account to McHenry and discovered evidence that he sought, shared, and received illegal material. Some of the content involved violent sexual conduct.
The case was investigated by the New York State Police, the FBI, and the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office.
McHenry’s sentencing is scheduled for January 6, 2026, at 10 a.m. in federal court.
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