State Police Arrest Colonie Man on Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges
A Colonie man and current police officer has been arrested following a child exploitation investigation led by the New York State Police and several federal and state agencies.
According to authorities, on April 16, 2026, New York State Police, working alongside the Troop G Computer Crimes Unit, the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Taskforce, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, arrested 40-year-old Michael S. Patterson of Colonie, New York.
Investigators allege Patterson promoted and possessed images consistent with child sexual exploitation. The investigation reportedly began after a cyber tip was submitted to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Authorities later executed a search warrant at Patterson’s residence in Colonie as part of the investigation.
State Police charged Patterson with:
- Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child, a Class D felony
- Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child, a Class E felony
Officials stated Patterson was arrested in Ravena before being transported to State Police headquarters in Latham for processing. He was later arraigned in Colonie Town Court. According to police, Patterson was remanded to the Albany County Correctional Facility in lieu of:
- $7,500 cash bail
- $15,000 bond
- $25,000 partially secured bond
Authorities also confirmed Patterson serves as an officer with both the Cohoes Police Department and the Coeymans Police Department. Investigators emphasized that the alleged crimes are not connected to his employment with either agency.
The investigation remains ongoing.
The arrest comes amid continued efforts by state and federal law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute online child exploitation crimes throughout New York State and across the country. Cyber tips submitted to NCMEC frequently play a major role in identifying suspects involved in the possession or distribution of child sexual abuse material.
For additional information, New York State Police Troop G Public Information Officer Trooper Stephanie O’Neil can be contacted through State Police headquarters in Latham.
