Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 38-year-old Jose R. DeJesus of Buffalo was arraigned yesterday morning before Buffalo City Court Judge Gary Wilson on one count of Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child (Class “D” felony) and one count of Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child (Class “E” felony).

It is alleged that on or about April 4, 2022, the defendant possessed, with the intent to view, images of child pornography. The defendant is also accused of sharing an image of sexual conduct by a child with another user on a website. The defendant is a firefighter with the Buffalo Fire Department. At this time, he has been placed on administrative leave.

DeJesus is scheduled to return on Wednesday, November 23, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. for a felony hearing. He was released under supervision.

If convicted of the highest charge, DeJesus faces a maximum sentence of 7 years in prison.   

DA Flynn commends the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Troop A Computer Crimes Unit for their work in this investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Rachel Kranitz McPhee of the Special Victims/Domestic Violence Bureau.

As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.