Retired School Psychologist David Calaiacovo Arrested on Child Pornography Charges

July 5, 2019

U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced yesterday David Michael Calaiacovo, 61, of Hamburg, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with receipt of child pornography. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan A. Tokash, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in June 2019, Homeland Security Investigations in Buffalo (HSI) received a report from the National Center For Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) via the New York State Police regarding images of child pornography which were subsequently traced to the defendant.

Also in June 2019, HSI Buffalo received five additional reports from NCMEC via the New York State Police. Once again the reports involved images of child pornography and were traced to Calaiacovo.

The images in all six reports included naked underage and pre-pubescent children, some involved in sexual activity.

On June 27, 2019, a search warrant was executed at the defendant’s residence and several electronic devices were seized, including two laptop computers, cell phones, SD memory cards, CD’s and DVD’s, and video tapes. A preliminary examination has identified at least 400 images constituting child pornography.

The defendant recently retired from his position as a school psychologist with the West Seneca School District.

“This is the third time in as many months that an individual in a position of trust involving children has been arrested on child pornography charges,” stated U.S. Attorney Kennedy. “It is our duty zealously to protect the most vulnerable among us, and these cases should serve as a warning to anyone who may engage in similar criminal behavior, we will find you, arrest you, and we will prosecute you.”

“This case is particularly disturbing because the defendant has long occupied an important role in our community,” said HSI Buffalo Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly. “As special agents, our work now will hopefully begin the road to justice and healing for anyone who has been impacted by this alleged activity.”

Members of the public who have specific information related to this case are urged to contact the HSI Buffalo Office Child Exploitation Tip Line at (716) 464-6070 or email [email protected]. HSI victim-witness specialists will be available to assist any parent or guardian should they need victim-related resources.

The defendant made an initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was released on conditions.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in Charge Kevin Kelly.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Source: “Recently Retired School Psychologist Arrested On Child Pornography Charges,” press release of U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of New York, July 3, 2019, URL: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdny/pr/recently-retired-school-psychologist-arrested-child-pornography-charges