Garey A. Buscaino, a 48-year-old former firefighter from Pensacola, Florida, has been sentenced to 75 years in federal prison for producing and possessing child pornography over a period of ten years. The sentencing was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin stated: “Protecting our children from exploitation and the predations of sick individuals like this offender remains one of my office’s highest priorities. I deeply appreciate the outstanding investigative work of our state and federal law enforcement partners who helped stop this predator from continuing to sexually exploit minor children and brought him to justice. As this substantial prison sentence demonstrates, my office will relentlessly pursue offenders who victimize our children, prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law, and seek maximum punishment for their heinous crimes.”
According to court documents, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) received information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding an online user in Northwest Florida suspected of possessing child pornography in a cloud account. After obtaining a search warrant, investigators found not only internet-sourced child pornography but also videos that appeared to have been secretly recorded using hidden cameras involving minor females.
The FDLE determined that Buscaino owned the account in question after further investigation. Authorities then executed search warrants at his home and firehouse. Members of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force seized dozens of electronic devices containing hidden camera footage showing five minor females undressing in bedrooms and bathrooms, along with thousands of graphic images and videos depicting child sexual abuse obtained online. Some material included victims as young as toddlers.
FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass commented: “Our agents worked diligently to identify the offender and secure the evidence needed to protect these victims. We appreciate the strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida in ensuring this individual is held fully accountable and cannot harm another child. Protecting Florida’s children is one of our highest responsibilities, and we will continue to pursue anyone who seeks to exploit them.”
Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas G. Ingegno added: “This sentence reflects the seriousness of these crimes and the unwavering commitment of Homeland Security Investigations to protect children from exploitation,” he said. “We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to ensure offenders are brought to justice and victims receive the support they deserve.”
Several victims attended Buscaino’s sentencing hearing in federal court. In addition to his prison term, Buscaino was ordered to pay about $30,000 in restitution to his victims and must register as a sex offender for life.
The case was investigated by both FDLE and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations division. Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg prosecuted it.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood—a nationwide initiative led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices since 2006—designed to combat child sexual exploitation through coordination among federal, state, and local agencies working together on cases involving internet-facilitated abuse or exploitation.
For more details about Project Safe Childhood visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov or for public court records see resources available through the U.S Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida.
