Suffolk County Police have arrested a Bayport man on felony charges related to the possession and promotion of child pornography, authorities said.
According to police, detectives from the Suffolk County Police Department’s Digital Forensics Unit took Ryan Yost, 22, into custody following an investigation prompted by a tip from the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. The tip led investigators to Yost’s residence at 269 East Road in Bayport.
Police said detectives executed a search warrant at the home and recovered a cell phone that allegedly contained images depicting child pornography. Following the discovery, Yost was arrested at approximately 6:30 p.m., police said.
Yost was charged with Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child and Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child Under 16, both felony offenses under New York State law. Authorities said he was held overnight at the Fifth Precinct.
Police said Yost is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip.
The investigation was conducted by the Suffolk County Police Digital Forensics Unit, which specializes in cases involving online exploitation and digital evidence. Police did not release additional details about the scope of the investigation or whether more charges could be filed.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the case, or anyone who believes they may be a victim, to contact detectives. Members of the public can reach the Suffolk County Police Digital Forensics Unit at 631-852-6572.
The Suffolk County Police Department said it continues to work closely with state and federal partners, including the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, to identify and investigate crimes involving the sexual exploitation of minors.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.