A Hamlin man has been arrested following a major child exploitation investigation that uncovered more than 820,000 files of child sexual abuse material, according to New York State Police.
Peter Tonery, 74, was charged with Possession of a Sexual Performance by a Child, a Class E felony, after a joint investigation by State Police and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
The investigation began in August 2023 when troopers executed a search warrant at Tonery’s residence in Hamlin, Monroe County. Investigators say they recovered digital evidence containing hundreds of thousands of files showing children engaged in sexually explicit acts.
Tonery was officially charged on August 25, 2025. He was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in Hamlin Town Court on September 15.
The case remains under active investigation. Authorities have not indicated whether additional charges are expected.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the New York State Police Troop E office.
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