State police arrest Somers man after investigation into promoting obscene sexual performance of a child

New York – A months-long investigation into suspected online child exploitation has resulted in the arrest of a Somers resident, concluding what officials described as a meticulous and deeply technical inquiry led by state authorities. The New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) in Somers, working alongside specialists from the Troop K Computer Crimes Unit (CCU), charged 34-year-old Andrew J. Giannetta following a long trail of digital evidence collected over the course of more than a year.

The case first came to law enforcement’s attention in February 2024, when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) forwarded a CyberTipline report to state investigators. The report flagged suspected child sexual exploitation material that appeared to have been distributed through a social media platform. That initial alert launched a broad forensic review, prompting investigators to trace the activity to a Somers address and ultimately identify Giannetta as the suspect.

Authorities obtained and executed a search warrant at his residence shortly thereafter. During the operation, detectives seized multiple electronic devices, which were then sent for detailed forensic analysis. According to officials, those examinations—which can involve the recovery of deleted files, metadata review, and the reconstruction of online activity—played a central role in shaping the case.

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After working through the collected material and coordinating closely with the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, state police moved forward with charges. On November 26, 2025, Giannetta was formally arrested and accused of two Class D felony counts of Promoting an Obscene Sexual Performance by a Child Less Than 17 Years of Age.

Following his arrest, Giannetta appeared before the Somers Justice Court, where he was arraigned and later released on his own recognizance. Court officials have scheduled his next appearance for February 2, 2026, at 5:30 p.m., during which the case is expected to advance further through the judicial process.

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State Police emphasized that investigations of this nature are complex, often involving cooperation between multiple agencies and the careful handling of digital evidence. While authorities did not publicly disclose additional details about the platforms involved or the devices recovered, they reiterated that the case originated from a third-party report—reflecting the role organizations like NCMEC play in helping law enforcement identify potential threats to children.

The investigation remains ongoing, though officials have not announced any additional charges or suspects at this time. As the case moves forward, authorities say they will continue working to determine whether other incidents or victims might be connected.