VALATIE—The State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) from the Livingston barracks and the Troop K Computer Crimes Unit (CCU) arrested Joseph M. Benvenuto, 30, of Valatie on five counts of possession of a sexual performance by a child, a class E felony, October 10.
An investigation by Livingston BCI and Troop K CCU led them to obtain a Columbia County Court-issued search warrant for Mr. Benvenuto’s residence.
Further investigation uncovered that Mr. Benvenuto allegedly possessed child pornography.
He was issued an appearance ticket returnable in Kinderhook Town Court October 27.
Based on the evidence available, investigators are attempting to determine if Mr. Benvenuto had any suspicious contact with persons in the Valatie area. Anyone with any information about suspicious or criminal behavior in which Mr. Benvenuto may be involved is asked to contact State Police at 845-677-7300. Refer to case #9200693. The investigation remains ongoing.