Bayport Man Charged for Accessing Child Sexual Abuse Material on Discord, Snapchat

Authorities say a tip led to a search warrant and the discovery of illicit content on the suspect's devices and accounts.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:40pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a cracked and damaged smartphone screen reflecting a faint blue light, conceptually representing the discovery of illicit digital content.The recovery of child sexual abuse material from a suspect's digital devices has led to serious criminal charges, exposing the ongoing challenge of combating online exploitation.Bayport Today

A 22-year-old Bayport man has been indicted on 11 felony counts for allegedly using social media apps like Discord and Snapchat to access and download child sexual abuse material. Prosecutors say the investigation began in August 2025 after a tip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, leading to a search warrant and the recovery of multiple images and videos from the suspect's electronic devices and accounts.

Why it matters

The case highlights the ongoing challenge of combating the distribution and possession of child sexual abuse material online, which has become more prevalent with the rise of social media and encrypted messaging platforms. Law enforcement continues to work to identify and prosecute those who exploit children in this way.

The details

Ryan Yost was arraigned on four counts of promoting a sexual performance by a child and seven counts of possessing a sexual performance by a child. Authorities executed a search warrant and recovered the illicit material from Yost's devices and social media accounts. He was arrested on January 20 and is being held on $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 bond while the case is pending.

  • The investigation began on August 30, 2025 after a tip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
  • Yost was arrested on January 20, 2026.

The players

Ryan Yost

A 22-year-old Bayport resident who has been indicted on 11 felony counts related to accessing and possessing child sexual abuse material.

Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney

The prosecutor who announced the charges against Yost, stating his office remains committed to aggressively prosecuting those who exploit children.

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What they’re saying

“A grand jury has returned an indictment charging this defendant with felony offenses for allegedly using social media to obtain child sexual abuse material. My office remains fully committed to aggressively prosecuting those who exploit children.”

— Ray Tierney, Suffolk County District Attorney

What’s next

Yost is due back in court on May 28 and faces up to seven years in prison if convicted on the top count.

The takeaway

This case underscores the urgent need for continued vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement, technology companies, and child protection organizations to combat the scourge of child sexual abuse material online and hold perpetrators accountable.