New York State Police have arrested a Hannibal man following a lengthy investigation into online child sexual exploitation.
State Police say 45-year-old Derek Kerr was taken into custody after investigators concluded a forensic examination connected him to child sexual exploitation material. The arrest followed multiple CyberTipline reports received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children between October 2024 and January 2025.
According to investigators, the reports involved suspected child sexual exploitation material being shared through an online messaging platform. The information was forwarded to the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation in Auburn, with assistance from the Troop E Computer Crimes Unit.
As part of the investigation, state police executed a search warrant at Kerr’s residence in the Town of Ira in February. An electronic device belonging to Kerr was seized and later examined by investigators. Police say the forensic analysis determined the device contained images and videos depicting child sexual exploitation material.
Kerr was arrested during a traffic stop in the City of Auburn and charged with attempted promoting a sexual performance by a child under 17, a felony, and possessing a sexual performance by a child under 16, a felony.
He was transported to State Police in Auburn for processing and was subsequently arraigned in Cayuga County CAP Court.
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.
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