An Auburn man was arrested this week following a New York State Police investigation into suspected child exploitation.
Authorities say the probe began on Jan. 29, 2024, when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a CyberTipline report indicating files of suspected child pornography had been uploaded. The report was forwarded to state police for review.
Investigators later identified 50-year-old Christopher Donahue of Auburn, as a suspect. On Feb. 28, 2024, troopers executed a search warrant at Donahue’s residence, seizing electronic devices. Those devices were examined by the State Police Troop E Computer Crimes Unit, which confirmed contraband consistent with the original CyberTipline report.
On March 3, 2026, Donahue was charged with promoting a sexual performance by a child, a Class D felony, and possessing a sexual performance by a child, a Class E felony. He was processed at State Police Auburn and transported to the Cayuga County Jail to await centralized arraignment.
The investigation remains active, and authorities ask anyone with additional information to contact the New York State Police Troop E Computer Crimes Unit.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
