Cheektowaga man arrested, charged with production of child pornography

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Bryce Weston, 22, of Cheektowaga, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with production of child sexual abuse material, which carries a minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of 30 years, and a fine of $250,000.

According to the criminal complaint, on August 23, 2026, Snapchat reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that a file containing suspected child pornography was uploaded to its server. NCMEC generated a Cybertipline Report, which led to an investigation by the New York State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (NYSP ICAC) unit. The investigation subsequently traced the file to Bryce Weston.

On October 14, 2026, the NYSP executed a search warrant at Weston's Columbus Avenue residence. During an initial review of Weston's cell phone, investigators recovered a chat conversation between Weston and a female individual who identified herself as a "minor" and a 13-year-old girl. Law enforcement found additional information related to Weston's communications with the minor victim. During one of these communications, Weston identified himself as "Jake" and claimed he is "15 gonna be 16," with the communication quickly turning sexual in nature. Weston subsequently sent a naked image of himself to the minor victim via text message. Weston also mentioned wanting to have sex with the minor victim.

Weston continued to communicate with the minor victim, indicating that he wanted to meet with the minor victim in person. Weston stated during a conversation that he was 20 years old, with the minor victim again stating that she was 13 years old. Weston responded that he thought the minor victim was kidding about her age. Weston and the minor victim continued to communicate until October 2026. The communications were sexually explicit and included the exchange of multiple naked photos between Weston and the minor victim.

Weston made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was held pending a detention hearing on November 12, 2026.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew J. Scampoli and Franz M. Wright. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis, II and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto. Additional assistance was provided by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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