October 19, 2007

ICE and Massachusetts police arrest fugitive wanted for distributing child pornography
Retired New York police detective fled to avoid federal prosecution

BRAINTREE, Mass. - Early this morning, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) special agents along with special units of the Massachusetts State Police and the Braintree Police Department arrested federal fugitive Michael W. Niebling who was wanted for distributing child pornography. Niebling was arrested at a Braintree motel shortly before 3 a.m. Earlier this week, he fled to avoid prosecution for possession and distribution of child pornography. Niebling had failed to appear in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York on Oct. 16, 2007, as ordered. A federal judge issued a warrant for his arrest. Niebling was living near Albany, N.Y., when he was charged with distribution of child pornography.

Niebling is a retired detective with the New York City Police Department and ICE agents were concerned that he might have access to weapons. This morning's arrest occurred without incident, and Niebling is now in federal custody. Once a court appearance is scheduled, he will have an initial appearance before a federal magistrate.

"The rapid apprehension of a man involved in distributing child pornography is an outstanding example of the close cooperation between local, state and federal agencies and the commitment of the law enforcement community to bring those who exploit children to justice,� said Lev Kubiak, acting special agent in charge of the ICE office of investigations in Buffalo.

Kubiak credited the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Squad, the State Police Special Tactical Operations team, the ICE Office of Investigations in Boston and the Braintree Police Department with the quick apprehension of Niebling.

Bruce M. Foucart, special agent-in-charge of ICE's Office of Investigations in Boston added, "I am pleased that my agents in Boston were able to assist our Albany Office in the swift apprehension of this fugitive. This is a clear example of the exemplary partnerships ICE has here in Massachusetts and we commend their critical efforts."

According to the federal indictment, Niebling distributed child pornography from his location in the Albany area using his computer and the Internet to other locations in the United States and to other countries. Distribution of child pornography is a violation of Title 18 USC Section 2252A (a) (2) (A) and Section 2256 (8) (A). Possession of child pornography is a violation of Title 18 USC 2252A (A) (5) (B) and Section 2256 (8) (A).

-- ICE --

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was established in March 2003 as the largest investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security. ICE is comprised of five integrated divisions that form a 21st century law enforcement agency with broad responsibilities for a number of key homeland security priorities.

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