BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — A suspected online child predator is out of jail, as he awaits his trial on child porn charges.
33-year-old Steven Gasiorek, a former substitute teacher and coach was released from custody Thursday afternoon, with a judge determining he had met specific, mandated conditions.
According to investigators, Gasiorek, was posing as a young girl on Instagram and acquiring nude photos from underage boys.
In the criminal complaint, it's stated the investigation started in the state of Virginia, when a 14-year-old boy told authorities he was communicating through Instagram with a person using the name, LEXIGURL1015. The boy said he sent that person pornographic images of himself at the suspect's request.
Investigators say they traced that account to Gasiorek, who was also sending the victim involved pornographic images of an unknown female. While examining the account, investigators say they found several additional unidentified boys who had also sent images containing child pornography. According in authorities, Gasiorek admitted to engaging in this activity for, "several years with many boys." According to a forensic examiner, pornographic from other boys believed to be 11, 12 and 13 years-old were also found on the suspect's laptop computer.
Gasiorek was a substitute teacher and coach in the Cheektowaga-Sloan District. According to the district's website , he coached 7th/8th/9th grade basketball, J.V. Baseball and J.V. Football. The secretary to the district Superintendent spoke with 7 Eyewitness News on the phone Tuesday afternoon, telling us the district just became aware of these allegations and that they immediately took action, banning Gasiorek from all school buildings. She added the district is cooperating with authorities and are evaluating their next steps.
Investigators believe additional victims are out there. The FBI is urging anyone with information to call its Child Exploitation Task Force, 716-843-1616.
