BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Delshawn K. Trueheart, a Buffalo-based photographer, is now facing additional child pornography charges. Production of child porn carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison.
According to the U.S. Attorney's office, earlier this month, a victim told Buffalo Police that Trueheart had a sexual relationship with her when she was between the ages of 15 and 17 years-old. The victim told investigators she had sexual relations with Trueheart at his home and at his photography studio on East Delavan Avenue. The victim also said Trueheart took nude photos of her and recorded them having sex.
Officials say when they searched Trueheart's home and studio on March 20, they found video of the victim, who was 16-years-old at the time, engaged in sexual intercourse. On March 26, investigators say they reviewed an SD card seized from Trueheart's home during the execution of a federal search warrant. Invesitgators say the card contained. video showing his alleged victim nude in his photography studio, while Trueheart took video of her.
Investigators say they also reviewed a thumb drive seized at Trueheart's photography studio. The thumb drive reportedly contained video which showed his alleged victim and a second underage person removing their clothing and engaging in a sexual act. According to investigators the video also contained other incidents of sexual activity involving the same minors.
At a detention hearing on Thursday, Trueheart was released on $250,000 bond and was ordered into home incarceration. Additionally, the judge has barred Trueheart from having any contact with minors and he is not permitted to work or do any volunteer work.
