Posted on: June 25, 2026 08:00 AM

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New York State Police arrest Wellsburg man on child exploitation charges

On June 17, 2026, the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) in SP Painted Post received allegations from a mandated reporter that a child under the age of 12 had received sexual images and communications from an adult youth sports coach during June 2026.

The investigation revealed that the suspect also engaged in similar conduct with a second victim under the age of 17 during the same time frame. Investigators determined that the communications occurred over periods ranging from approximately one week to more than one month and were conducted through the social media application Snapchat. No physical contact between the suspect and either victim was alleged.

As a result of the investigation, conducted with assistance from the Steuben County Department of Social Services, Child Protective Services, and in consultation with the Steuben County District Attorney’s Office, New York State Police arrested Donavan C. Smith, age 21, of Wellsburg, NY, also known as Donavan C. Sutton, and charged him with:

•    Two counts of Disseminating Indecent Material to Minors 1st degree (D felony)

•    Attempted Use of a Child in a Sexual Performance (D felony)

•    Attempted Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child (E felony)

•    Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child (D felony)

•    Two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child (A misdemeanor)

Smith was arraigned in Steuben County Centralized Arraignment Part (CAP) Court and remanded to the Steuben County Jail in lieu of $25,000 cash bail or $50,000 bond.

Orders of protection were issued on behalf of the victims. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges are possible.

From NYSP