FEDS: Abusive youth pastor gets seven years in prison after Darien Lake crime

From the US Attorney

BUFFALO, NY-US Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Nathan L. Rogers, 40, of East Aurora, NY, who was convicted of attempted receipt of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 84 months in prison by Senior US District Judge William M. Skretny.

Assistant US Attorney Paul E. Bonanno, who handled the case, stated that in July 2019, at Darien Lake Park in Genesee County, NY, Rogers, a church youth pastor, set up iPhones in his camper to surreptitiously record, for the purposes of his own sexual gratification, nude images of a minor victim. Shortly after setting up the phones, Rogers invited the minor victim to change out of her bathing suit in his camper. She agreed and, as she changed, the iPhones recorded nude images. After changing, the minor victim noticed the phones recording her, she attempted to delete the videos, and then reported the incident to authorities. Responding law enforcement officers detained and questioned Rogers. Subsequently, nude images of the minor victim were located on the phones.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, under the direction of Sheriff William A. Sheron, Jr.

PRIOR FELON ARRESTED ON NEW CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGE

BUFFALO, NY-US Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Cameron Gelsomino, 22, of Burt, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor after a prior conviction related to possession of child pornography, which carries a minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of 20 years.

Assistant US Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in October 2023, Gelsomino was sentenced to serve 30 days of incarceration and 10 years' probation after being convicted of Possessing Obscene Sexual Performance by a Child in Niagara County Court. Gelsomino was also designated as a level two sex offender and subject to the New York State Sex Offender Registry. On May 9, 2024, Niagara County Probation Officers conducted a routine visit at Gelsomino's residence, during which they found him to be in possession of a cell phone, which he did not have approval to possess. A preliminary review of the phone showed that Gelsomino was active on social media, including asking a fellow Discord user, “Do you have any CP links?” Gelsomino and the other user went on to discuss ages and the cost to purchase child pornography. Further review of the phone recovered approximately 56 image files and two video files of child pornography.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino and the Niagara County Probation Department, under the direction of Director Deborah M LaRock.

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.