Bath man arrested by New York State Police after lengthy child exploitation investigation uncovered illegal material on electronic devices

New York – A Bath man has been arrested following a lengthy child exploitation investigation that began after authorities received information from a national organization dedicated to protecting children from online abuse.

According to the New York State Police, 32-year-old Daniel E. White of Bath was taken into custody on July 17 without incident after investigators completed an extensive inquiry involving multiple law enforcement units. The case was handled by the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, State Police in Bath, and the Troop E Computer Crimes Unit.

The investigation dates back to April 2024, when the New York State Police received a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The information was connected to the online distribution of child sexual abuse material through a social media platform, prompting investigators to begin tracing the activity to determine its source.

As detectives continued gathering evidence, the investigation eventually led them to a residence in the Town of Bath. Authorities spent the following months developing the case before carrying out additional investigative steps.

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On Feb. 25, 2025, members of the New York State Police executed investigative actions that resulted in the seizure of several electronic devices from the residence. Those devices were submitted to the New York State Police Computer Forensics Laboratory, where specialists conducted detailed forensic examinations.

According to investigators, the forensic review uncovered approximately 1,555 images and videos containing child sexual abuse material across multiple electronic devices. The findings provided the evidence needed for authorities to move forward with criminal charges.

Following the completion of the investigation, White was arrested on July 17, 2026. State Police said the arrest was made without incident.

White has been charged with one count of Possession of a Sexual Performance by a Child, a Class E felony under New York law.

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After his arrest, White was processed at State Police in Bath before being transported to the Steuben County Jail. He was held pending a centralized arraignment proceeding.

The investigation highlights the continued collaboration between local investigators, specialized computer crimes units, and national organizations that work to identify and investigate the online exploitation of children. Information provided through cyber tips to law enforcement agencies can play a critical role in uncovering suspected criminal activity and preserving digital evidence.

As with all criminal cases, the charge filed against White is an accusation. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.