ROCHESTER, New York — New York State Police arrested 22-year-old Ryon M. Shorter of Penfield on February 27, 2025, for possessing child sexual abuse material and making homicidal threats against an investigator, authorities confirmed. The case began with 18 CyberTipline Reports received on January 27, 2023, from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, flagging potential child abuse material possession.
Following a two-year investigation, including a search warrant execution, police confirmed Shorter possessed files depicting child sexual abuse. The probe culminated when Shorter contacted State Police on February 27, 2025, issuing threats via phone and text to an investigator involved in his case. He was arrested that day and charged with possessing a sexual performance by a child under 16 (E felony) and aggravated harassment in the second degree (A misdemeanor). Shorter was issued an appearance ticket for Penfield Town Court on March 19, 2025.
The investigation traced back to the initial CyberTipline reports, which prompted a meticulous evidence-gathering process. No conflicting accounts have surfaced, though details on the delay between the 2023 reports and the 2025 arrest remain undisclosed, as do specifics on the threats’ content. The New York State Police have not released additional information on the files or Shorter’s motives.
“This arrest reflects our commitment to protecting children and holding offenders accountable,” a State Police spokesperson said, speaking anonymously due to the ongoing case. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s role highlights the importance of cyber-reporting in such investigations. Shorter’s court date looms as authorities continue to monitor the case’s progression.
