Buffalo Photographer Arrested, Charged With Possession Of Child Pornography

BUFFALO, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Delshawn K. Trueheart, 43, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession of child pornography. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Lamarque, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in March 2019, a victim reported to the Buffalo Police Department that Trueheart had a sexual relationship with her while she was between 15 and 17 years of age. The victim stated that she had sexual relations with him at both his residence and his photography studio located on East Delavan Avenue. The victim also reported that Trueheart took nude images of her and recorded them engaged in sexual intercourse.

On March 20, 2019, law enforcement officers searched Trueheart’s residence and studio, and located a video of the victim, then 16 years-old, engaged in sexual intercourse.

The defendant will make an initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy at 2:30 p.m.

The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood, and the Buffalo Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert.

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.