Albany man arrested by State Police after investigation uncovers possession of child sexual abuse material

Albany, New York – A 28-year-old Albany man is facing felony charges after State Police arrested him in connection with an investigation into the possession of child sexual abuse material.

On July 9, 2025, troopers from the State Police of Latham, working in coordination with the Troop G Computer Crimes Unit and the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Taskforce, arrested Matthew T. Bess. Authorities say the arrest came after digital evidence linked him to the possession of exploitative material involving minors.

Bess has been charged with Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child, classified as a class “E” felony under New York State law. According to law enforcement, the case was developed after the ICAC Taskforce conducted a digital forensics investigation which pointed to Bess’s online activity.

Read also: Rochester Institute of Technology announces the appointment of three accomplished professionals to its Board of Trustees

Officials executed a search warrant at Bess’s home in Albany, where they allegedly uncovered images of child sexual exploitation stored on his electronic devices. Following the search, Bess was taken to SP Latham where he was processed and formally arrested.

“Bess allegedly received and stored child sexual abuse material obtained over the internet,” investigators said.

After his arrest, Bess was brought before Albany City Court for arraignment. He was released on his own recognizance and is expected to return to court at a later date.

Authorities have not released additional details regarding the number or nature of the images involved. The investigation remains ongoing, and further charges are possible.

Read also: Penfield Trails Committee invites the public to enjoy a free scenic hike through Lucien Morin Park this July

Law enforcement continues to stress the importance of cybercrime units and taskforces in tackling crimes against children in the digital age. The collaboration between agencies, like the ICAC Taskforce and Troop G’s specialized units, plays a critical role in identifying and apprehending suspects involved in online child exploitation.

Anyone with information related to this case or other similar offenses is encouraged to contact the State Police.

This arrest serves as a stark reminder of the persistent efforts law enforcement agencies are making to safeguard children from exploitation, both online and off.