Former Corrections Officer From L.I. Guilty Of Child Porn Charges

An investigator with the New York City Corrections Department from East Meadow was found guilty on Monday of child pornography charges in federal court.

Fernando Clarke, 64, downloaded video files of the sexual abuse of preteen children, which he kept on computer equipment in his home. During a court-ordered search of his home on July 28, 2015, Clarke initially claimed that he was downloading child pornography in connection with his employment as a Correction Department investigator.

He admitted at the time of the search, however, that he had not been authorized to access or download child pornography for his employment. Clarke was arrested at the time of the search and subsequently suspended from the Corrections Department.

“As a sworn law enforcement officer, Clarke had a mandatory obligation to report child abuse,” United States Attorney Richard Donoghue said in a statement. “Instead, he downloaded images of the rape and abuse of children for his personal use. We will be vigilant in holding accountable law enforcement officers who violate their oaths.”

Clarke was found guilty of seven counts of transportation, receipt and possession of child pornography. He faces up to five years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

He is due back in court on April 13 for sentencing, and he remains in custody.

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