Suffolk County Police on Thursday, May 23 arrested a Huntington Station man for possessing child pornography.
Following tips from the New York State Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Tampa Police Department, Suffolk County Police Digital Forensics Unit detectives conducted an investigation into Joseph Drago. With the assistance of Second Precinct officers, a search warrant was executed at Drago’s home, located at 20 Monaton Drive.
During the investigation it was determined Drago, who is a tennis instructor, had child pornography on his cell phone as well as text messages with a 13-year-old girl of Colorado during which Drago sent images of gift cards in exchange for inappropriate videos of the girl.
Drago, 28, of Huntington Station, was charged with Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child, a class D Felony, and Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child, a class E Felony. Drago will be held overnight at the Third Precinct and is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on May 24.
The investigation is continuing. Detectives are asking anyone with additional information or if you believe you are a victim to call the Digital Forensics Unit at 631-852-6279.
A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.