Search Warrant Reveals Hidden Bathroom Cam, Over 17,000 Images of Child Pornography in Chautauqua County Man's Home

A federal grand jury has indicted a Chautauqua County man on charges related to child pornography, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo.

Jose Perez, 40, of Celeron, faces charges of attempted production and possession of child pornography. If convicted, he could face a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison, with a maximum potential sentence of 80 years, along with a fine of up to $250,000.

According to court documents, the case began when Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) received a tip on September 3, 2022, from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding a file allegedly uploaded by Perez. Federal authorities executed a search warrant at his residence on December 15, 2022, seizing electronic devices, including a thumb drive containing video files reportedly recorded from a bathroom camera.

One of the videos allegedly depicted a minor who appeared unaware of the camera’s presence. Investigators also reported finding over 17,000 additional images from the same location, along with other explicit material on Perez’s cell phone.

The investigation was conducted by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, led by Sheriff James Quattrone, and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan. Perez has been indicted, but under U.S. law, all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.