Pastor Accused Of Receiving Sexual Photos From Westchester Teen

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — A Queens pastor was arrested after being accused of receiving child pornography from a 15-year-old Westchester resident. Audrey Strauss, the acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, said Wednesday Francis Hughes, 65, of Glendale, a pastor at a Queens church, was charged with one count of receipt and distribution of child pornography.

The charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

According to prosecutors, Hughes was engaging in sexually explicit text communications with the teen.

Strauss said the allegations against Hughes were chilling and frightening to any parent.

"A person who, by the nature of his profession, is presumed to be trustworthy allegedly victimized a child," she said. "Thanks to the FBI, Hughes now faces a serious federal charge."

Prosecutors said, on Feb. 16, Hughes communicated by text messages with the 15-year-old. During the course of the texting, the minor sent Hughes three images of the teen's penis.

After receiving one of the images, Hughes said, among other things, that he wanted to have oral sex with the teen, according to prosecutors.

During the communications, Hughes told the child that he was a part-time college professor and a counselor, police said.

Authorities said there may be other victims. If anyone has information to report, call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.

Strauss praised the efforts of the FBI and its Westchester County Safe Streets Task Force and thanked the Greenburgh Police Department for its assistance. She added that the investigation is ongoing.

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