Repeat Child Predator Arrested, Two Others Sentenced

Registered sex offender charged with new child porn crimes, two other men receive prison time for exploitation

Apr. 3, 2026 at 12:25am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a cracked and damaged digital storage device, such as a USB drive or memory card, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the physical evidence of child exploitation crimes.The harsh flash photography of damaged digital evidence highlights the grim realities of child exploitation cases pursued by federal authorities.Jamestown Today

Federal authorities announced the arrest of a 42-year-old registered sex offender from Jamestown, NY on new child pornography charges, as well as the sentencing of two other men - a 69-year-old from Albion, NY and a 23-year-old from Orlando, FL - for child exploitation crimes.

Why it matters

These cases highlight the ongoing threat of child predators and the need for vigilance, as well as the efforts of law enforcement to identify, arrest, and prosecute those who sexually abuse and exploit minors.

The details

John Peterson, a level 1 sex offender, was arrested and charged with distribution and possession of child pornography after investigators traced uploaded files to his accounts. Norman Kelly was sentenced to 12 years in prison for receiving child porn, some depicting violence, that he accessed while traveling internationally. Jose Francisco Cardoso Tehovnik received an 11-year sentence for receiving child porn from and traveling to meet a 16-year-old victim.

  • In June 2025, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received CyberTips about child porn uploads linked to Peterson.
  • In July 2025, NCMEC received another CyberTip about a child porn upload linked to Peterson.
  • On December 3, 2025, investigators executed a search warrant on Peterson, seizing his cell phone which contained child sexual abuse material.
  • On October 20, 2023, Kelly was caught with a laptop, cell phone, and USB drives containing child porn at the Detroit airport.
  • Between February and April 2024, Cardoso Tehovnik communicated with and received child porn from a 16-year-old victim, then traveled to meet her in April and June 2024.

The players

John Peterson

A 42-year-old registered sex offender from Jamestown, NY who was arrested and charged with new child pornography crimes.

Norman Kelly

A 69-year-old man from Albion, NY who was sentenced to 12 years in prison for receiving child pornography.

Jose Francisco Cardoso Tehovnik

A 23-year-old man from Orlando, FL who was sentenced to 11 years in prison for receiving child pornography and traveling to meet a 16-year-old victim.

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What they’re saying

“The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.”

— U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo

What’s next

Peterson is being held pending a detention hearing on April 2, 2026.

The takeaway

These cases demonstrate the ongoing threat of child exploitation and the critical role of law enforcement in identifying, arresting, and prosecuting those who sexually abuse and exploit minors, even repeat offenders.