THOMAS GORSIN INDICTED AS PART OF PROJECT SAFE CHILDHOOD INITIATIVE

SYRACUSE, NY – Andrew T. Baxter, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York; John F. Pikus, Special Agent In Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Albany Division, and Steven H. Heider, Chief of Police, Town of Colonie Police Department, Colonie, New York, announced today that a federal grand jury in Albany has returned an Indictment against THOMAS K. GORSIN, age 53, of Clifton Park, New York. ¹ The Indictment charges that between June 29, 2008, and August 26, 2008, GORSIN used the computer services of America Online to attempt to persuade, induce, and entice a 14-year old individual to engage in sexual activity that is illegal under New York State law. The Indictment also contains a forfeiture allegation relating to computer equipment. The Indictment was returned on September 3, 2008, and GORSIN was arraigned today.

If convicted, GORSIN faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years imprisonment, a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, and a maximum fine of $250,000. GORSIN is detained pending trial, which is currently scheduled for November 10, 2008.

This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Albany Field Office, and the Colonie Police Department.

CONTACT:

Nathaniel J. Dorfman
Assistant U.S. Attorney
(518) 431-0247

1 The charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.