Groton Man Charged With Child Exploitation Offenses After HSI New England Investigation

NEW HAVEN, Conn. — Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New England Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol and U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut Vanessa Roberts Avery announced Aug. 15, that Ryan Cameron, 21, of Groton, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with receipt and distribution of child pornography, soliciting child pornography and possession of child pornography.

He has been detained in state custody since his May 20 arrest on unrelated state charges.

As alleged in court documents, Cameron was convicted in 2023 in state court of illegal dissemination of intimate images of a 15-year-old female. In April 2024, while Cameron was on state probation, his probation officer conducted a home visit and discovered Cameron was in possession of a cellphone in violation of the conditions of his probation. Cameron admitted to his probation officer that there was child sexual abuse material on his phone. HSI special agents and task force officers conducted a forensic examination of the phone that revealed the phone contained videos and images of child sexual abuse. Also located on the phone were messages between Cameron and individuals on messaging applications showing Cameron soliciting and distributing child sexual abuse material.

The charges of receipt and distribution of child pornography and soliciting child pornography carry a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 5 years and a maximum term of 20 years imprisonment. The charge of possession of child pornography carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

This matter is being investigated by HSI New England’s New Haven Resident Agent in Charge office with the assistance of the New Haven Police Department.

A complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

HSI is a global leader in the fight against child exploitation. Last year, HSI special agents dedicated 1.2 million case hours toward investigating child exploitation. This heinous crime harms the most vulnerable in our society: our kids. As technology evolves and more people have access to the internet, children are at a greater risk than ever. HSI’s special agents and analysts around the world are dedicated to countering this threat.

Report suspected child exploitation to the HSI Tip Line at 877-4-HSI-TIP or through the CyberTipline on the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children's website.