A Cleveland man has been sentenced to more than 15 years in federal prison after investigators discovered hundreds of child pornography files on his electronic devices, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio announced Thursday.
Case Background
The defendant, 27-year-old Christopher Galaszewski, pleaded guilty in May to distribution and possession of child pornography. In addition to his prison term, he was sentenced to 15 years of supervised release following his incarceration, ordered to pay a $10,000 fine, and required to register as a sex offender.
Court records show that while Galaszewski was on parole for an unrelated conviction, he distributed computer files containing child pornography between June 2022 and June 2023. Federal agents were alerted after receiving a tip that he had been sharing illicit files online through a social media platform.
When questioned by his parole officer, Galaszewski initially claimed his email account had been hacked. However, the following day his parole officer seized his laptop and cell phone. A forensic review of the devices revealed nearly 200 photos and videos of child pornography, including at least one image involving a child under the age of 12.
Charges and Conviction
Galaszewski pleaded guilty to:
- Distribution of visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct
- Possession of child pornography
Sentencing and Next Steps
Federal prosecutors stressed that the lengthy sentence reflects the seriousness of the crime and the ongoing danger posed by offenders who exploit children online. Authorities also reiterated that tips from the public often play a crucial role in uncovering child exploitation cases.