A Venice man was charged with a felony Friday after a Cayuga County sheriff's investigation into allegations that child pornography had been downloaded onto a computer while he lived in Genoa.
Sheriff Brian Schenck said Zachary J. Purington, 45, was arrested Aug. 28 and charged with one count of possessing a sexual performance by a child, a Class E felony under state law.
The Sheriff's Office began investigating the allegation in August and developed probable cause for the arrest, according to the release.
Deputies executed a search warrant at Purington's residence Friday, then processed him at the county Public Safety Building.
Purington was released on an appearance ticket because the charge is not eligible for bail under state bail reform and is scheduled to appear in Genoa Town Court at a later date, the Sheriff's Office said.
Anyone with information can contact the Cayuga County Sheriff's Office at 315-253-1222, submit a tip through the county's Send-a-Tip page or use the free SaferWatch app; tips may be anonymous.
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