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Juan Carlos Melendez, 31 a Peruvian citizen who lives on Highland Road in Stamford, was arrested Monday on a federal warrant on child porn charges, according to a statement from the U.S. attorney's office.
Melendez appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Holly B. Fitzsimmons in Bridgeport on charges of possession of child pornography and receipt and distribution of child pornography.
Agents with the Connecticut Computer Crimes Task Force with assistance of the Stamford Police Department conducted a search of Melendez' residence in March and seized computer equipment, including a hard drive.
According to court documents and statements, it is alleged that he used a peer-to-peer file-sharing program to receive and distribute images of child pornography. Forensic analysis of the hard drive showed at least 4,000 identified images and videos of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
If convicted of possession of child pornography, Melendez faces a maximum of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. If convicted of receipt and distribution, Melendez faces a mandatory minimum prison term of five years and a maximum of 20 years and a fine of up to $250,000.
Melendez remained in custody, pending a review of his immigration status.
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