By Tiffany Williams –
James M. Lajoie, 30, of Appleton, NY, pleaded guilty in federal court to possessing child pornography, a charge that carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years behind bars and a potential $250,000 fine. The plea came before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara and follows a prior conviction in New York for attempted sexual abuse.
Back in June 2016, Lajoie was convicted of Attempted Sexual Abuse in the 1st Degree and sentenced to three years in prison with 10 years of post-release supervision. Trouble resurfaced in August 2023 when a New York Parole Officer discovered an unauthorized cellphone at his home. Investigators found roughly 54 images and four videos of child pornography on the device, some depicting prepubescent minors and acts of sexual violence.
Authorities say Lajoie obtained the material online. The case highlights the federal crackdown on offenders with prior sexual abuse convictions and the severe penalties for possessing child exploitation material. Sentencing has yet to be scheduled.