BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — A 41-year-old woman from Clarence Center is facing child pornography charges. She was an athletic trainer for Empire United Soccer Academy.
Shelby Garigen is charged with receipt of child pornography and access with intent to view child pornography. U.S. Attorney James Kennedy says, "This case is somewhat unusual in that the defendant is a woman, it is familiar in the sense that the defendant used two of the most frequent and common methods that child predators use in order to gain access to children."
The Empire United Soccer Academy says Garigen worked with the Development Academy teams based out of Rochester.
Garigen is accused of exchanging sexually explicit photos over Snapchat to a 17 year-old male on Garigen's elite soccer team. During an investigation, undercover investigators assumed the online identity of the victim and received sexually explicit videos and conversation from Garigen. They made arrangements to meet to engage in sexual activity.
During a search of her phone, investigators found she also exchanged photos with a second 17-year-old male from the same soccer team.
Garigen appeared before a judge and was released on condition, including no employment with any youth related sports program, no contact with minors, restriction of use of electronic devices and electronic monitoring.
Law enforcement believes there may be a third victim. The FBI is asking any other possible victims to come forward. You can contact (716) 843-1616.
