A 38-year-old New York man is in jail today after a multi-agency investigation revealed a cache of illegal weapons and evidence of serious crimes against children.
On April 19, 2026, Sheriff Brian M. Hess announced the arrest of Cory R. Matthews, bringing a conclusion to a swift investigation by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
The investigation began on April 7, when authorities got information about a social media user disseminating Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). Investigators immediately followed the electronic trail to Matthews, accumulating sufficient evidence to get a search warrant for his home.
When investigators moved in on April 16, they discovered more than just digital evidence. Police found an illegal handgun and a high-capacity magazine inside the home.
As the forensic team examined the material, the scope of the case expanded. By April 19, more evidence had surfaced, leading to a slew of felony sex offense charges.
Matthews is now facing a lengthy list of criminal charges, including Predatory Sexual Assault Against a Child, First-Degree Rape, and First-Degree Incest. He is also facing two counts of employing a minor in a sexual act, multiple counts of promoting and having such material, and felony firearms charges.
Sheriff Hess acknowledged that the case’s quick completion was a joint effort, thanking the Carmel and Kent Police Departments for their assistance.
“Crimes committed against children are among the most heinous crimes we encounter,” Hess stated. “I commend our Bureau of Criminal Investigations for their swift and thorough work in bringing this individual into custody.”
Matthews was remanded to the Putnam County Correctional Facility after being arraigned in the Town of Putnam Valley Court and then appearing in the Town of Kent Court on the revised charges.
He’s presently being jailed without bail.
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