Kent Man Arrested in Major Putnam County Child Exploitation Case

According to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, a Kent, New York man has been arrested following what investigators are calling a serious and extensive child exploitation investigation.

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Authorities say Cory R. Matthews, 38, of the Town of Kent, was taken into custody after what police describe as a multi-step investigation led by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Criminal Investigations.

According to police, the case began on April 7, 2026, when investigators reportedly received information about an individual allegedly involved in the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material through social media and electronic communications.

Investigators say Matthews was identified as a suspect during the inquiry, and evidence was allegedly developed indicating he possessed and promoted illegal material involving minors. Police report that on April 16, 2026, a search warrant was executed at Matthews’ residence. During that search, authorities also allegedly discovered an illegal firearm and a high-capacity magazine.

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According to law enforcement, further investigation conducted on April 19, 2026, led to additional felony sex crime charges being filed based on newly reviewed evidence.

Matthews was arrested and initially arraigned in Town of Putnam Valley Court. He was later arraigned again in Town of Kent Court on additional charges and was remanded to the Putnam County Correctional Facility without bail, according to officials.

He is facing multiple charges, including predatory sexual assault against a child, rape in the first degree, incest in the first degree, and multiple counts related to the use, promotion, and possession of child sexual performance material. Police also say he is charged with criminal possession of a firearm and criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree.

Authorities stated the Carmel Police Department and Town of Kent Police Department assisted during the investigation.

Sheriff Brian M. Hess said, according to the department, that crimes of this nature are among the most serious cases they handle and praised investigators for their swift response and thorough work in the case.