SYRACUSE – Jerry N. Butler III, 19, of Walton, had an initial appearance May 2 on a charge of sexual exploitation of a child. United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, special agent at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.
According to the complaint, Butler used social media to request sexually explicit content from a minor. The minor then created the material Butler asked for and sent it to him using a social media messaging application.
The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. Butler is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Butler made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Miroslav Lovric. He was detained pending a hearing scheduled for May 5.
If Butler is convicted of the offense, he faces at least 15 years and up to 30 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a supervised release term of at least 5 years and up to life. He may also be ordered to pay restitution to the victim of his offense and forfeit any property used to commit the offense. Butler also would have to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statute the defendant violated, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
The FBI is investigating this case. Assistant United States Attorney Michael D. Gadarian is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.
