Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Patrick Weaver, age 36, of Waterville, New York, pled guilty in federal court yesterday to distributing, receiving, and possessing child pornography.The announcement was made by First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Buffalo Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony Patrone.As part of his plea, Weaver, who is a registered sex offender because of a prior conviction related to child pornography, admitted that in July of 2025 he used an internet-based messaging application installed on his cell phone to receive from and distribute to other users of the application numerous images and videos of child pornography. Weaver also admitted that in February of 2026, he possessed additional images and videos images and videos of child pornography on another cell phone.
“This defendant’s disturbing conduct continued even after he was first caught and convicted,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III. “Day in and day out, members of law enforcement—especially the Special Agents at Homeland Security Investigations—work tirelessly to track, investigate, and build cases against child predators like Mr. Weaver. I am grateful for their relentless efforts, and I am proud that our office was able to secure a plea that will keep this defendant away for many years.”Acting Special Agent in Charge Patrone stated: “Patrick Weaver’s guilty plea exposes the grave conduct of a repeat sex offender who again chose to distribute, receive, and store images and videos documenting the sexual abuse of children. By uncovering and disrupting his use of online platforms to fuel this exploitation, HSI has helped protect vulnerable victims and reinforced the safety of our community. Together with our law enforcement partners, HSI Syracuse remains firmly committed to pursuing offenders who target children, wherever they operate and however many times they attempt to reoffend.”
Because of Weaver’s prior conviction, the distribution and receipt charges against him carry a term of imprisonment between 15 and 40 years while the possession charge carries a term of imprisonment between 10 and 20 years. Each count carries a fine of up to $250,000 and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. Weaver will also be required to continue registering as a sex offender upon his release from prison. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.Sentencing is currently scheduled for October 29th, 2026, in Syracuse, New York before United States District Judge Elizabeth C. Coombe.HSI investigated the case with assistance from the NYSP Computer Crimes Unit (CCU). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian S. LaRochelle as part of Project Safe Childhood.Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.