Vice president of New York school board arrested on child pornography and endangerment charges
A 46-year-old vice president of a New York school board was arrested by state police following an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct involving minors. Travis Barr Longo, who serves on the Cazenovia Central School District Board of Education, faces four counts of endangering the welfare of a child and federal charges related to receiving and possessing child pornography. The arrest came after investigators uncovered evidence of sexually explicit digital communications with a child under 12 years old.
Longo made a virtual federal court appearance on Saturday to face the charges, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The school district is located in central New York state. He had been elected to a three-year term on the board in May 2024 and frequently referenced his drag performer stage persona, Anita Buffem, in public appearances.
Evidence discovered during cell phone search
During a search of Longo’s mobile device on June 18, investigators discovered numerous images and videos depicting child sexual abuse. The U.S. Attorney’s Office stated that several videos showed the sexual abuse of infants that Longo had received from other users through an internet-based messaging application. The discovery prompted immediate legal action from federal and state authorities.
Court records obtained by local media revealed additional disturbing findings. Police recovered chat conversations on the device in which Longo discussed his sexual interest in children with other individuals. The conversations included references to a minor male child known to him and to whom he allegedly had access. The evidence forms the basis of the criminal charges now pending against him.
Potential sentence and legal proceedings
If convicted on the federal charges, Longo faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison. The severity of the charges reflects the serious nature of the alleged crimes. Federal prosecutors are handling the case alongside state authorities, who brought the initial endangerment charges. The legal proceedings are expected to continue as investigators complete their examination of all evidence.
School board demands immediate resignation
Following the announcement of the charges, the Cazenovia Board of Education issued a public statement demanding Longo’s immediate resignation from his position. The board expressed shock, deep sadness, and outrage over the allegations. Board members emphasized their unwavering commitment to student safety and well-being as their primary responsibility.
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Longo submitted his resignation on Monday evening, according to a post by Cazenovia Schools Superintendent Kevin Linck. Prior to the resignation, the board had indicated its intention to pursue his removal through formal proceedings. The board’s statement acknowledged that while they strongly condemn the alleged actions, the judicial system bears responsibility for determining guilt or innocence.
District response and community impact
The board extended support and assistance to all children and families involved in the case. In their statement, board members described their charge to protect every student as both a moral and ethical duty, as well as a legal obligation under their sworn oath. The district emphasized its partnership with law enforcement agencies in protecting students.
The case has raised concerns within the community about background checks and oversight of elected school officials. Longo had been serving as vice president of the board for less than a year before his arrest. The board thanked law enforcement for their hard work and partnership in the investigation. The district did not immediately provide additional comments when contacted for further information about potential policy changes or review procedures.
State police continue their investigation as the criminal case moves forward through the federal and state court systems. The charges represent some of the most serious allegations that can be brought against an individual in a position of public trust. Community members await further developments as the legal process unfolds.
