Posted on: May 28, 2025 03:50 PM

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Steuben county man arrested for possession and promotion of child sexual performance materials

On May 3, 2025, the New York State Police in Bath received a Cyber Tipline from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children reporting the possession of child abuse material.

Subsequent to an investigation, it was determined that Ralph E. Hicks, age 54, of Bath, NY., possessed files of child sexual abuse materials.

On May 15, 2025, State Police seized numerous electronic devices for forensic examination by the Troop E Computer Crimes Unit (CCU) as part of an ongoing child exploitation investigation.

On May 22, 2025, the CCU advised investigators that a forensic analysis of Hicks' HP laptop uncovered approximately 1,500 images of confirmed child sexual abuse material.

On May 23, 2025, Hicks was arrested without incident and transported to Steuben County Jail for CAP Court for arraignment.

Hicks is charged with the following:

Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child (D Felony)

Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child (E Felony)

From NYSP