ALBANY, NEW YORK – John H. Ruthosky, age 36, of Schenectady, New York, appeared in federal court yesterday on charges that he sexually exploited a child.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Matthew Scarpino, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
A criminal complaint alleges that on or about October 20, 2021, Ruthosky produced sexually explicit videos of a 7-year-old child. The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Ruthosky initially appeared yesterday before United States Magistrate Judge Christian F. Hummel. Today, the defendant waived his right to a detention hearing, and will remain detained pending trial.
If convicted, Ruthosky faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years, a maximum fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release of between 5 years and life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. He would also be required to register as a sex offender.
Members of the public who have information regarding Ruthosky are asked to call HSI’s 24-hour tip line at (866) 347-2423.
This case is being investigated by HSI, with assistance from the New York State Police, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Geoffrey J. L. Brown and Rachel L. Williams as a part of Project Safe Childhood.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s 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
Giving Back to the Community through a variety of venues & initiatives.
Training and seminars for Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement Agencies.
Help us combat the proliferation of sexual exploitation crimes against children.