Cayuga County man taken into custody after long investigation into online child exploitation material

Cayuga County, New York – A Cayuga County man has been taken into custody after a lengthy investigation into alleged online child exploitation, according to New York State Police. The arrest follows months of digital forensic work by state investigators and specialized computer crimes units.

Authorities say Douglas L. Baker, 23, of Cayuga, New York, was arrested after a detailed inquiry conducted by the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) in Auburn, working jointly with the Troop E Computer Crimes Unit (CCU). The case unfolded as part of an ongoing Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) initiative, which targets the possession and distribution of child sexual exploitation material across online platforms.

The investigation began in April 2024, when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) submitted a CyberTipline report to New York State Police. The report contained information about suspected child sexual exploitation material circulating on a social media platform. Investigators were able to trace the activity back to Baker, ultimately linking him to the reported online activity.

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In July 2024, police obtained and executed a search warrant at Baker’s residence, where several electronic devices were seized for forensic examination. Analysts from the Computer Crimes Unit meticulously combed through the digital evidence over the following months, reviewing the contents of the devices to confirm the nature and scope of the alleged offenses.

After the completion of the forensic review and in consultation with the Cayuga County District Attorney’s Office, Baker was officially charged with two felonies:
• Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child less than 17 years of Age (a D felony)
• Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child (an E felony)

On October 13, 2025, Baker was processed at the State Police barracks in Auburn. Officers reported that the arrest and processing were conducted “without incident.” He was then arraigned in Cayuga County Jail for a CAP arraignment, where a judge formally reviewed the charges and bail conditions.

The arrest underscores the increasing role of digital forensics and interagency cooperation in combating online child exploitation. The New York State Police, in partnership with national organizations such as NCMEC, continues to pursue investigations involving the digital distribution of illegal content targeting minors.

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Law enforcement officials remind the public that the fight against child exploitation relies heavily on reporting suspicious online behavior. The CyberTipline, operated by NCMEC, serves as a central hub for such reports, allowing authorities to track and investigate potential offenders across state and national boundaries.

The investigation into Baker’s online activities is ongoing as authorities continue to analyze the electronic evidence recovered during the search. Further charges have not been ruled out.

Baker remains in custody pending further court proceedings.