United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of New York

10/28/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/28/2026 19:57

Rochester man who used Roblox to meet minors pleads guilty to child pornography charge

ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today Vincent Steiner, 23, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. to receipt of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a fine of $250,000.

According to the plea agreement, between December 2024 and July 22, 2025, Steiner used Roblox to meet minor females, who he then attempted to entice to send him photos of child pornography depicting themselves. Between January and March 2025, he persuaded a minor victim, who was 12 years old, to send him images and videos of herself engaged in sexual acts. Steiner also requested a naked photo of her eight-year-old sister. He also sent sexually explicit messages to another minor victim, a 13-year-old girl he found on Roblox.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford. The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Patrone.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 14, 2027, at 3:30 p.m. before Judge Geraci.

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