A 50-year-old Gouverneur man is facing two felony charges after state and federal investigators executed a search warrant at his home earlier this week as part of what officials describe as an active child exploitation investigation. Robert J. Bush was arraigned in Gouverneur Town Court and remanded to custody following the search.
The warrant was carried out on the morning of October 6 by the New York State Police Troop B Computer Crime Unit, working alongside Homeland Security Investigations Massena and the Gouverneur Police Department, according to the New York State Police. Investigators say the search of Bush's residence turned up evidence tied to child pornography charges. Bush was formally charged with Promoting an Obscene Sexual Performance by a Child and Possessing an Obscene Sexual Performance by a Child, state police confirmed.
Daily Voice reported that Bush wore a shirt reading “To Do List: Your Mom” and that state police released a photo of him following the arrest. The outlet also reported that authorities described the investigation as ongoing.
What the Charges Carry Under New York Law
The two counts filed against Bush carry significant weight under state statute. Promoting an Obscene Sexual Performance by a Child under New York Penal Law § 263.10 is a Class D felony punishable by up to seven years in state prison, while Possessing an Obscene Sexual Performance by a Child under § 263.11 is a Class E felony carrying up to four years, according to the New York State Senate's penal code. State law also specifies that possession includes knowingly accessing such material with intent to view, per the same statute.
Any conviction under Article 263 of the Penal Law for child sexual performance offenses would automatically require registration under New York's Sex Offender Registration Act, according to NY Crime Lawyer. Risk-level designations under that law dictate how long an offender must remain on the registry.
New York's ICAC Task Force
The New York State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force operates as one of two federally designated ICAC hubs in the state, according to MissingKids.org.
Bush was booked into the St. Lawrence County Jail following his arraignment.
Investigation Remains Active
Authorities have described the investigation as ongoing. Investigators are asking anyone with relevant information to contact Troop B at 518-897-2000.
Hoodline has reported on a Lisbon man's arrest on sexual-abuse-related charges.
