George Ciancio

An Ellicott man is facing a 20-count indictment for allegedly “actively searching out” child pornography on his computer, according to the Ellicott Police Department.

On March 22, George Ciancio, 51, was indicted on 20 felony charges by a Chautauqua County Grand Jury–10 counts of promoting a sexual performance by a child and 10 counts of possessing a sexual performance by a child. On March 27, an arrest warrant was issued by the Hon. David Foley, Chautauqua County Court judge.

Keys was arraigned on April 3 and jailed in lieu of $15,000 cash or $30,000 property bond.

Patrick Swanson, Chautauqua County district attorney, said Keys has since posted bail and a court conference is scheduled Monday in County Court.

Keys’ arrest was the culmination of a months-long investigation by the FBI, the Ellicott police and the Chautauqua County District Attorney’s Office.

Detective Kevin Pierce with the Ellicott Police Department said an initial investigation provided enough probable cause for the FBI and Ellicott police to execute a search warrant at Ciancio’s 107 Westminster Drive residence in Ellicott in February, where evidence was gathered.

The FBI determined to keep the case local and federal charges are not being pursued, Pierce said.