Man Arrested on Child Exploitation Charges in Amsterdam

Dakota J. Kilgore, 21, faces felony charges for promoting and possessing child sexual abuse material.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:07am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single handcuff against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the serious nature of child exploitation crimes.A stark, gritty image highlighting the harsh realities of child exploitation crimes.Amsterdam Today

State Police in New York have arrested a 21-year-old man named Dakota J. Kilgore on charges of promoting a sexual performance by a child and possessing a sexual performance by a child. The charges stem from an investigation that began with a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, leading to a search warrant and Kilgore's arrest at his residence in Amsterdam, New York.

Why it matters

Crimes involving the exploitation of minors are a serious concern for law enforcement and the community. This arrest highlights the ongoing efforts to identify and apprehend individuals engaged in the distribution and possession of child sexual abuse material, which can have devastating impacts on victims.

The details

Kilgore was arrested with assistance from the Troop G Computer Crimes Unit, the Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the Amsterdam Police Department. He was charged with two felonies: promoting a sexual performance by a child and possessing a sexual performance by a child. Kilgore was processed at the State Police station in Fonda and arraigned in Amsterdam City Court, where he was remanded to the Montgomery County Correctional Facility.

  • On Wednesday, April 7, 2026, State Police executed a search warrant at Kilgore's residence in Amsterdam.
  • Also on Wednesday, April 7, 2026, Kilgore was arrested and charged.

The players

Dakota J. Kilgore

A 21-year-old resident of Amsterdam, New York, who was arrested on charges of promoting and possessing child sexual abuse material.

New York State Police

The law enforcement agency that arrested Kilgore, with assistance from other agencies.

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

The organization that provided the cyber tip that led to the investigation and Kilgore's arrest.

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What’s next

Kilgore will remain in custody at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility pending further legal proceedings.

The takeaway

This arrest underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat the exploitation of minors and the distribution of child sexual abuse material, which can have severe and lasting impacts on victims. The community must remain vigilant and support efforts to protect vulnerable children.