SENTENCE IN CHILD ABUSE IMAGES CASE

DELHI – Caleb Lane, 25, of Walton, New York, appeared in the Delaware County Court on January 29, 2024, for sentencing on one count of Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child in violation of Section 263.16 of the Penal Law of the State of New York, a Class E Felony.

On August 25, 2022, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a cyber tip that an individual account had downloaded a sexually explicit image of a child. Members of the United States Department of Homeland Security were alerted, and together with investigators from the New York State Police, records were seized from the Microsoft Corporation. Investigators with the New York State Police were able to track down the account to where Mr. Lane was residing at the time. As other individuals reside at this residence besides the defendant, the address is not being disclosed. Searches of Mr. Lane’s computer unearthed numerous images and videos depicting minor children performing sex acts. 

Mr. Lane had previously pleaded guilty on December 4, 2023.  Judge Gary Rosa ordered a pre-sentence investigation to be undertaken by the Delaware County Probation Department.

On January 29, 2024, upon the recommendation of the Delaware County Probation Department, Caleb Lane was sentenced to ten (10) years of probation supervision subject to sex offender conditions. Mr. Lane was also ordered to register as a Sex Offender. 

District Attorney Shawn Smith congratulated the efforts of Investigators Furman, Hicks, and Marshall of the NYSP to bring this case to a conclusion. 

DA Smith also stated, “My office will continue to prosecute both the creators and consumers of this terrible abuse. A consumer is not somehow less culpable than the creator in these cases. Without individuals like Mr. Lane, there would be no demand for it.” 

“I would also like to take this moment to refer the public to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN). They, along with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children are invaluable resources to us and to victims. If you are a victim, or suspect sexual abuse of a child, we encourage you to call their hotline at 1-800-656-4673.”

Shawn J. Smith

District Attorney 

Delaware County