A joint investigation by the New York State Police Computer Crimes Unit and Crimes Against Property Squad - Internet Child Exploitation Section has led to the arrest of Westbury resident Alexander Zacarias, 40. Zacarias, an undocumented Guatemalan who worked as a children's party clown, is charged with being in possession of and promoting child pornography.

According to police there was no evidence that Zacarias directly abused or photographed children, but an IP address identifying his computer was uncovered by state and county police tracking online distribution of child pornography. An April 15 search of Zacarias' residence, executed a search warrant, uncovered numerous desktop and notebook computers.

At a press conference held last week, Det. Sgt. Thomas Reilly said six desktop and laptop computers were confiscated from Zacarias' home as were related items police allege the suspect used to upload and download hundreds of pictures of child porn, some with infants.

Police state that Zacarias moved to New York several years ago and worked fulltime as a truck-washer in Westbury. They learned of his side gig as a clown after a search of the home turned up a pair of clown shoes. Police also allege that Zacarias lived in a rooming house also occupied by children but that no reports of abuse have been filed.

Zacarias was arrested April 15 and arraigned on nine counts each of promoting sexual performance of a child (D felony) and possession of sexual performance of a child (E felony). His bail was set at $400,000 bond/$200,000 cash. If convicted, Zacarias could be deported.