Bikers Against Child Abuse leader arrested for child porn in New York
A local leader of a prominent anti-child abuse advocacy group, Bikers Against Child Abuse, was caught with child pornography and arrested, police in New York said.
John C. Todaro, 49, is the vice president of the Buffalo chapter of the group, which would give him opportunities to be around children and child victims, New York State Police said. He was arrested on April 9 and charged with two felonies, promoting a sexual performance by a child and possessing a sexual performance by a child.
Todaro was accused of possessing and distributing the child pornography. He was arraigned in court in Amherst, New York, and released. He has another court date in May, police said. It wasn't clear if Todaro had an attorney who could comment on his behalf.
The Buffalo chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse said in a statement it is "deeply troubled" by the charges.
"The reported actions represent a serious breach of the values and mission we uphold. Such behavior is unacceptable to our organization and stands in direct violation of our strict code of conduct," the chapter said in a statement to Paste BN. "Upon learning of the allegations, our leadership took immediate and decisive action to permanently remove the individual from our organization."
What is Bikers Against Child Abuse?
The organization says on its website that it's a nonprofit that "exists with the intent to create a safer environment for abused children."
If a child is "frightened by his or her environment," an agency or individual can refer them to BACA, which makes sure the case has been reported to appropriate authorities. The BACA chapter will ride to meet with the child and give them a biker vest and assigns them two primary contacts they can call for support. The contacts may ride by the child's home or have a presence in their neighborhood if they feel intimidated, attend court hearings and interviews or even physically intervene if further violence occurs, the site says.
"Prior to becoming the primary contacts for the child, the bikers are cleared for participation by passing an extensive background check, have ridden with the Chapter for at least a year, and have received special instructions from the Licensed Mental Health Professional," the site says.