In January 2023, the Department of Homeland Security Cyber Crimes Center received sexually explicit images of a child from the Queensland Police Service in Australia. Following a visual analysis in September 2023, Homeland Security Investigations determined that the images were taken in March 2013. HSI was able to identify and locate the victim, leading to a search warrant being executed at Matthew A. Steele’s residence in Elma.
During the search, several images of the victim and the camera used to capture the photos were found. Steele, a 53-year-old resident of Elma, was charged with production and distribution of child pornography by U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross. He appeared at a detention hearing and was ordered to be detained. Steele is facing a minimum penalty of 15 years and a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison for the charges against him.
The successful identification and location of the victim demonstrates the commitment of authorities to bring perpetrators to justice and protect vulnerable individuals. The case highlights the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies to investigate and combat crimes involving child exploitation and pornography.
