Travis J. Longo, the former vice president of the Cazenovia Central School District Board of Education in New York, was arrested in June 2024 on federal charges of receiving and possessing child pornography. Following his arrest and an investigation into alleged sexually explicit communications with a minor, Longo resigned from his position on the school board.
Federal Charges and Investigation
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York announced that federal investigators discovered "numerous images and videos of child pornography" on Longo’s cell phone during a search conducted on June 18, 2024. According to the criminal complaint, the evidence included videos depicting the sexual abuse of infants that had been obtained via an internet-based messaging application.
In addition to the federal charges, the New York State Police arrested Longo on four counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Court records obtained by local news outlet WSYR-TV indicate that investigators recovered digital communications from Longo’s device in which he allegedly discussed a sexual interest in children, including a specific minor known to him. If convicted on federal charges, Longo faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison.
Resignation from Cazenovia Board of Education
Longo, 46, was elected to the Cazenovia Central School District Board of Education in May 2024 for a three-year term. He had gained public attention in previous media appearances for his drag persona, "Anita Buffem," and was frequently cited in reports as one of the first drag performers elected to a public school board in the United States.
Following the disclosure of the charges, the Cazenovia Board of Education issued a formal statement expressing outrage and shock. The board initially moved to initiate removal proceedings against Longo, but he submitted his resignation on the evening of Monday, June 24, 2024. Superintendent Kevin Linck confirmed the resignation in a public notice, stating that the district remains committed to the safety and well-being of its students.
Legal Context and Precedent
The arrest of a sitting school board member on child exploitation charges creates significant legal and administrative challenges for the Cazenovia district. Under New York education law, school boards have the authority to initiate removal proceedings against members for official misconduct or neglect of duty. However, the speed of Longo’s resignation effectively bypassed the formal removal hearing process.
This case follows a broader trend of increased scrutiny regarding the personal conduct of public officials in school districts. While the charges against Longo are specific to his personal digital activity, the incident has prompted the board to reaffirm its "moral and ethical duty" to protect students. The district has stated that it is cooperating with law enforcement agencies as the judicial process proceeds.
Key Facts Regarding the Case
- Defendant: Travis J. Longo, 46, former vice president of the Cazenovia Central School District Board of Education.
- Charges: Four counts of endangering the welfare of a child (state) and federal charges of receiving and possessing child pornography.
- Evidence: Investigators reported finding videos of infant sexual abuse and digital chats regarding sexual interests in minors on a seized cell phone.
- Status: Longo resigned from the school board on June 24, 2024, following a unanimous vote by the board to begin removal proceedings.
- Potential Sentencing: A federal conviction carries a mandatory minimum of five years in prison.
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