A prominent advocate for child safety in upstate New York has been arrested on child pornography charges, authorities announced Wednesday.
John Todaro, 49 of Amherst, was charged with promoting a sexual performance by a child and possessing a sexual performance by a child, both felonies, the New York State Police said in a statement.
Todaro is the vice president of the Buffalo chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA), a nonprofit whose mission is to create a safer environment for abused children.
As an active member of the group, Todaro would have had “opportunities to be around children and child victims,” police said.
His arrest came after an investigation of internet crimes against children determined he possessed and was disseminating child pornography.
Todaro was arraigned on Wednesday in Amherst Town Court and released on his own recognizance. He’s scheduled to return to court in May.
BACA is a tax-exempt, volunteer-run organization that seeks to provide “aid, comfort, safety and support for children who have been sexually, physically and emotionally abused,” according to the group’s website.
As a way to ensure that no child abusers can become members of the organization, all applicants must “submit to and pass the highest-level government background check,” which screens for any crimes against children or domestic violence involving children.
Founded in Utah 30 years ago, the group now operates more than 300 chapters across 47 states and over a dozen countries.
The Buffalo Chapter was founded in 2014 and serves Erie, Wyoming, Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties.
Two years ago, Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz issued an executive proclamation declaring April as “Bikers Against Child Abuse” month.
A spokesperson for the group did not immediately return a request for comment on Wednesday.
