Stillwater man arrested in child sex abuse image investigation
SARATOGA, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- A Stillwater man was arrested on Sept. 16 following an investigation into child sex abuse images. Deane Pratt, 40, is facing multiple charges stemming from a cyber tip from January 2024.
On January 30, Saratoga State Police and the Computer Crimes Unit and the Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce began an investigation into Pratt following a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. According to troopers, the investigation led to police executing a search warrant of Pratt's home in April.
When searching the materials seized, troopers discovered multiple images consistent with the exploitation of a child and nonconsensual surveillance were discovered. According to Troopers, the investigation determined Pratt allegedly concealed an imaging device and captured images of both adults and children in the bathroom of his home, without their knowledge or consent.
Charges:
- Three Counts of Use of a Child in a Sexual Performance
- Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child
- Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child
- Eight Counts of Unlawful Surveillance in the Second-Degree
- Six Counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child
Pratt was arraigned at the Stillwater Town Court. He was later remanded to the Saratoga County Correctional Facility in lieu of $100,000 cash, $200,000 bond or a $750,000 partially secured bond.
Read the latest from NEWS10:
- Stillwater man arrested in child sex abuse image investigation
- Local non-profit collects Halloween costumes, candy
- Siena men's basketball full schedule announced
- 1 dead after planes collide mid-air in California
- The radioactive issue: Meet the 2 Native American women fighting to save nuclear exposure benefits
NEWS10 is the Capital Region's local news leader!