ESOPUS- A 46-year-old Port Ewen man has been arrested following an investigation into the alleged possession of child sexual abuse material, the State Police said.
Richard D. Wade Jr. was arrested Aug. 12 after investigators executed a search warrant at his residence in the town of Esopus, according to police.
The investigation began after State Police received a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Investigators said they allegedly found images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children, including toddlers.
Wade was charged with three counts of possessing an obscene sexual performance by a child under 16, possession and access, a Class E felony.
The investigation involved the Troop F Computer Crimes Unit, Troop F Bureau of Criminal Investigation in Highland, the Troop F Child Abuse Unit in Ulster County, the Troop F Community Stabilization Unit and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Wade was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in Esopus Town Court at 5 p.m. Oct. 5.
The charges are allegations, and Wade is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Anyone with information about Wade or the investigation is asked to contact the Troop F Computer Crimes Unit at 845-344-5300.
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