Stillwater man arrested in child sex abuse investigation

SARATOGA, N.Y. (NEWS10) — A Stillwater man was arrested Sept. 16 following an investigation into child sexual abuse images. Deane Pratt, 40, faces multiple charges stemming from a January 2024 cyber tip.

On January 30, Saratoga State Police and its Computer Crimes Unit and Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force began investigating Pratt after receiving a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. According to agents, the investigation led police to execute a search warrant at Pratt’s home in April.

Upon searching the seized materials, officers discovered multiple images consistent with child exploitation and non-consensual surveillance. According to officers, the investigation determined that Pratt allegedly concealed an imaging device and took images of both adults and children in the bathroom of his home without their knowledge or consent.

Costs:

• Three counts of using a child in a sexual performance
• Promoting a sexual performance by a child
• Possession of a sexual performance by a child
• Eight counts of second-degree unlawful surveillance
• Six counts of endangering the welfare of a child

Pratt was arraigned in Stillwater Town Court. He was later remanded to the Saratoga County Correctional Facility in lieu of $100,000 cash, $200,000 surety or a $750,000 partially secured bond.