Press Release
On August 12,2026, The New York State Police Troop F Computer Crimes Unit (CCU) announced the arrest of Richard D. Wade Jr., age 46, of Port Ewen, NY, following an investigation into the possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Wade Jr. has been charged with the following:
• Three counts of Possessing an Obscene Sexual Performance by a Child Less Than 16 Years of Age, Possess and Access, a class E felony.
The investigation began in August of this year after the New York State Police received a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC). As a result of the investigation, a search warrant was executed at Wade Jr.’s place of residence in the town of Esopus on August 12, 2026.
The investigation revealed that Wade Jr. was in possession of images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children, including toddler aged victims.
The arrest was the result of a coordinated effort involving the Troop F Computer Crimes Unit, the Troop F Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) in Highland, Troop F Child abuse Unit in Ulster County, the Troop F Community Stabilization Unit and the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.
Wade Jr. was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in the Esopus Town Court on October 5, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
The New York State Police are asking anyone with information regarding Wade Jr. or this investigation to contact the Troop F Computer Crimes Unit at (845) 344-5300.
Contact Troop F Public Information Officer: Trooper Jennifer Alvarez
Troop F Commander:
Major Christopher M. Kyle
Contact us by email:
Map Directions:
New York State Police Troop F Headquarters
Middletown NY, 10941