A months-long investigation into child exploitation has led to the arrest of a 33-year-old Hornell man, according to New York State Police.
Troopers say Eugene Wade Hale was taken into custody on October 30 after investigators uncovered illegal images on his electronic devices. The case began with a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and was handled by multiple specialized units within Troop E.
On May 22, police executed a search warrant at a home on East Avenue in Hornell. Investigators say Hale was detained without incident as he was leaving the property. Officers recovered several electronic devices, which were sent for forensic review.
That analysis revealed the presence of contraband images, police said. Hale was arrested and processed at the Hornell barracks before being taken to the Steuben County Jail for arraignment.
The investigation involved Troop E’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Computer Crimes Unit, and Forensic Investigation Unit.
Anyone with further information is asked to contact Troop E Public Information Officer Trooper Lynnea Crane at (585) 398-4169.
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