Syracuse man accused in federal court of receiving and possessing child pornography faces decades in prison

Albany, New York – Federal prosecutors in Albany have charged a Syracuse man with receiving and possessing child pornography following an investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations.

According to federal authorities, 50-year-old Alden Fuller appeared in court on April 24, 2026, after investigators allegedly discovered a large amount of illegal material on his cellphone. Three days later, on April 27, Fuller was ordered to remain in custody while awaiting trial.

The announcement was made by First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations.

Court documents state that investigators found Fuller, who authorities identified as a previously convicted sex offender, in possession of numerous files depicting the sexual abuse of children. Federal officials allege that Fuller obtained the material through another user on an online social media messaging platform and paid to receive the content.

According to the criminal complaint, some of the videos allegedly involved children as young as six years old.

Federal prosecutors strongly condemned the alleged conduct, pointing to both the severity of the accusations and Fuller’s prior criminal history.

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“As alleged, this defendant was so eager to obtain videos of children being sexually abused that he was willing to pay for it. This is not only reprehensible, but it also helped fuel the online market for material depicting the sexual abuse of children. This is all despite a prior conviction and 6-year state prison sentence. Now, this defendant faces decades in federal prison if convicted, which is exactly where every brazen repeat sexual offender belongs,” Sarcone stated.
Officials with Homeland Security Investigations also emphasized the broader public safety concerns tied to repeat offenders and internet-based exploitation crimes.

“As a previously convicted sex offender, Alden Fuller’s alleged crimes highlight the ongoing threat posed by individuals who prey on children. This arrest underscores the critical importance of HSI’s partnerships with federal, state, and local counterparts to safeguard neighborhoods and hold criminals accountable. HSI Syracuse, together with the law enforcement community, will never stop fighting for children and other at-risk victims, and will relentlessly pursue anyone who seeks to exploit them,” Keegan stated.

The case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative aimed at combating online child exploitation and abuse. The program brings together federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to investigate internet crimes involving children, identify victims, and prosecute offenders.

Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing.

Under federal law, the charge of receiving child pornography carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 15 years and a maximum sentence of 40 years if convicted. The possession charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum of 20 years in prison. Prosecutors noted that both charges also carry potential fines of up to $250,000, along with supervised release terms ranging from five years to life.

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Officials stated Fuller would also be required to continue registering as a sex offender following any future release from prison.

Federal sentencing guidelines, along with statutory requirements and other legal factors, would ultimately determine any sentence imposed if Fuller is convicted.

The investigation is being handled by Homeland Security Investigations, while Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian S. LaRochelle is prosecuting the case.

As with all criminal cases, authorities emphasized that the charges filed against Fuller are accusations. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.