Rochester Man Arrested for Child Exploitation

32-year-old charged with possession of child sexual abuse material

Feb. 3, 2026 at 10:07pm

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A 32-year-old Rochester man named Adam Edward Hawley was arrested following a child exploitation investigation conducted by the New York State Police. Hawley was charged with possession of a sexual performance by a child, a class E felony, after investigators found child sexual abuse material on several electronic devices seized from his residence.

Why it matters

The arrest highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to identify and prosecute individuals involved in the exploitation of minors through the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material. This case underscores the importance of public vigilance and cooperation with authorities to combat these serious crimes against vulnerable members of the community.

The details

In September 2024, the New York State Police received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about the online sharing of child sexual abuse material through a social media platform. This led investigators to Hawley's residence on Alvin Place in Rochester, where they executed a search warrant and seized multiple electronic devices. Forensic analysis of the devices confirmed the presence of child sexual abuse material, prompting Hawley's arrest on Monday. He was processed and released on an appearance ticket, with a scheduled court date of February 10th.

  • In September 2024, the New York State Police received the initial tip.
  • On March 6, members of the New York State Police executed a search warrant at Hawley's residence.
  • On Monday, Hawley voluntarily appeared at the New York State Police Rochester barracks and was taken into custody.
  • Hawley is scheduled to appear in Rochester City Court on Feb. 10 at 9:30 a.m.

The players

Adam Edward Hawley

A 32-year-old Rochester man who was arrested and charged with possession of a sexual performance by a child, a class E felony.

New York State Police

The law enforcement agency that conducted the child exploitation investigation, executed the search warrant, and made the arrest.

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

The organization that provided the initial tip to the New York State Police about the online sharing of child sexual abuse material.

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What’s next

The judge will decide on February 10th whether to allow Hawley to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to identify and prosecute individuals involved in the exploitation of minors through the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material. It underscores the importance of public vigilance and cooperation with authorities to combat these serious crimes against vulnerable members of the community.