Leader of anti-child abuse group caught sharing child pornography, NY cops say
A leading member of Bikers Against Child Abuse — a non-profit organization that aims to prevent further harm against children who've been sexually, physically and emotionally abused — was arrested on child pornography charges in New York, state police say.
John C. Todaro, the vice president of the non-profit advocacy group's chapter in Buffalo, New York, was found with child pornography, according to an April 9 news release issued by state police.
He's also been sharing child pornography, authorities say.
Felony charges
Todaro, 49, of Amherst, is charged with two felonies: promoting a sexual performance by a child and possessing a sexual performance by a child, according to state police.
Attorney information for Todaro, who was arrested April 9, wasn't immediately available.
Through his position, as a person who's supposed to advocate against child abuse, state police say Todaro 'would have had opportunities to be around children and child victims.'
Bikers Against Child Abuse has dozens of chapters in nearly all 50 states, except Delaware, North Dakota and Rhode Island. The non-profit group made up of bikers also has chapters in Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, Europe, Iceland, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
The group's members work with local and state officials to protect children.
The goal of Bikers Against Child Abuse
'The goal of BACA is eventually to break the chains of child abuse,' a chapter member said in an informational video shared by Bikers Against Child Abuse International on YouTube.
The organization's online mission statement says: 'We desire to send a clear message to all involved with the abused child that this child is part of our organization, and that we are prepared to lend our physical and emotional support to them by affiliation, and our physical presence.'
To join the organization, the group requires prospective members to be at least 18 years old, agree to a full background check, attend monthly meetings, bike rides, court hearings and other events, according to Bikers Against Child Abuse's website.
When a member is with a child, at least one other member is present, the organization explains on its website.
According to Bikers Against Child Abuse's Buffalo chapter, Todaro uses the nickname 'Doc.'
Other leading chapter members also use nicknames.
Bikers Against Child Abuse didn't immediately return McClatchy News' request for comment April 10.
What's next for Todaro?
The charges against Todaro stem from an investigation by New York State Police's Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, a national agency that collaborates with federal, state and local law enforcement.
The ICAC Task Force is involved in investigating, prosecuting and responding to online crimes that harm children.
According to New York State Police, Todaro appeared in court in Amherst, a Buffalo suburb, for an arraignment and 'was released on own recognizance.'
He's due to return to court in May, state police say.
Authorities ask anyone with information on Todaro to call state police at 585-344-6200.
Suspected child exploitation can be reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's CyberTipline online or by calling 1-800-843-5678.
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