BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Shelby Garigen, 42, of Clarence Center, NY, who was convicted of access with intent to view child [censored]ography, was sentenced to serve 37 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. Garigen was a trainer for Empire United Soccer Academy.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles M. Kruly and Aaron J. Mango, who handled the case, stated that between November 2018 and February 2019, the defendant communicated with two minors (Victim 1 and Victim 2) using the Snapchat application. During Garigen’s communications with Victim 1, she received and viewed approximately three sexually explicit images of Victim 1. During the defendant’s communications with Victim 2, she received and viewed approximately 10 sexually explicit images of Victim 2. Garigen knew that both victims were minors.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Buffalo Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia, and the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Sliwinski. Additional assistance was provided by the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of District Attorney Sandra Doorley.
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