Painted Post woman taken into custody after lengthy investigation into possession of child sexual abuse materials

Painted Post, New York – A 31-year-old woman from Painted Post has been arrested following an investigation into child exploitation that began with a cyber tip in late 2024, according to the New York State Police.

The case started on December 23, 2024, when troopers from the Painted Post barracks received a tip from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. The tip reported suspected possession of child sexual abuse material linked to a resident in the Painted Post area.

Following a months-long investigation, authorities identified Renea S. Haight as the individual involved. Police say that Haight was found to be in possession of files containing child sexual abuse content. On May 30, 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant and seized an electronic device from Haight for a forensic review by the Troop E Computer Crimes Unit (CCU), which specializes in digital evidence analysis.

Read also: RIT begins more than 100 summer construction projects to improve campus before students return

Based on the findings from that review, Haight was arrested and charged with Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child less than 17 years of age, which is classified as a D felony under New York State law.

Haight was processed at the State Police barracks in Painted Post and later transported to Steuben County Jail to await CAP (Centralized Arraignment Program) proceedings.

In a brief statement, New York State Police emphasized the importance of collaboration in such cases: “We remain committed to working with national partners to ensure that all cases of child exploitation are investigated thoroughly and appropriately.”

Read also: Supervisor Bill Reilich joins the Greece Town Board and Youth Board to host the annual Jerry J. Helfer memorial food truck rodeo with a Zac Brown tribute concert

The investigation is still ongoing, and officials have not released additional details about the nature of the digital content or whether further charges may be filed.

Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact New York State Police or submit tips through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.

Law enforcement agencies continue to remind the public that tips from online platforms play a key role in identifying and stopping the distribution of harmful content involving children.