EATON — A former Madison County mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service has pleaded guilty in Federal Court to both possessing child pornography and delaying mail delivery, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Ryan Berte, 33, of Eaton, pleaded guilty before Chief Judge Brenda K. Sannes in Syracuse on Friday to one count each of delay of mail, receipt of child pornography and possession of child pornography, attorneys stated. Berte faces between five and 20 years in federal prison when he returns for sentencing on May 22, as well as a possible maximum fine of $250,000.

Authorities said between at least May 2020 and September 2021, Berte downloaded multiple images and videos of child pornography involving prepubescent minors onto a laptop and a flash drive while in Madison County.

On Sept. 22, 2021, while working as a mail carrier for the Postal Service, authorities said Berte intentionally delayed mail delivery. Authorities said his home was searched on that date, and the child pornography was found on a laptop in his home.