Upstate New York Police Officer Arrested on Child Exploitation Charges

40-year-old officer charged with promoting and possessing child sexual abuse material

Apr. 18, 2026 at 2:21am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a pair of handcuffs against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic through the use of harsh, direct lighting.The arrest of a police officer on child exploitation charges raises serious concerns about the abuse of power and public trust.Ravena Today

A 40-year-old police officer from Colonie, New York has been arrested and charged with Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child and Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child. The arrest was made by the New York State Police, assisted by the Troop G Computer Crimes Unit, the Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, following a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Why it matters

The arrest of a police officer on child exploitation charges raises serious concerns about the abuse of power and public trust. It also highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement and advocacy groups to combat the production and distribution of child sexual abuse material online.

The details

According to authorities, Michael S. Patterson is accused of promoting and possessing images consistent with child sexual exploitation. State Police executed a search warrant at his residence in Colonie on April 16, 2026, and he was arrested in Ravena and transported to State Police Latham for processing. Patterson was arraigned at Colonie Town Court and remanded to the Albany County Correctional Facility.

  • Patterson was arrested on April 16, 2026.
  • The investigation stemmed from a cyber tip received earlier in April 2026.

The players

Michael S. Patterson

A 40-year-old police officer from Colonie, New York who was arrested and charged with Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child and Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child.

New York State Police

The law enforcement agency that made the arrest, assisted by the Troop G Computer Crimes Unit, the Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

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

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Patterson is scheduled to appear in court again on April 23, 2026, where a judge will determine if he will be granted bail.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement, advocacy groups, and the public in combating the exploitation of children. It also raises questions about how to ensure accountability and maintain public trust when those in positions of authority are accused of such serious crimes.