SYRACUSE – Brent G. Trimbell, 44, of Hobart, was arrested July 27 and was arraigned on a charge of sexual exploitation of a child, according to a press release from Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
The complaint alleges that Trimbell exchanged sexually explicit messages with a female child victim, including messages persuading her to create and send him videos of her engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The child created the content Trimbell requested and sent it to him over social media. The complaint also alleges that Trimbell had sexual contact with the victim on at least three occasions and sent the victim videos depicting him masturbating.
Trimbell was first charged by state authorities with state sex offenses related to the foregoing conduct, but late last week he was released on bail.
If convicted of sexual exploitation of a child, Trimbell faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years and a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years, a term of supervised release of at least five years and up to life, a fine of $250,000, forfeiture of property used to commit the offense, and restitution to the victim. Trimbell also would be required to register as a sex offender if convicted.
Following the initial appearance, Trimbell was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending further proceedings.
The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
