Predatory Sexual Assault Against Child, Rape, Incest Allegations Lead To Arrest Of Putnam Man: Sheriff

KENT, NY — A Hudson Valley man has been accused of sexually abusing a child among other felonies, according to law enforcement.

Putnam County Sheriff Brian M. Hess says that 38-year-old Cory R. Matthews, of the Town of Kent, was arrested after an investigation conducted by the Putnam County Sheriff's Office Bureau of Criminal Investigations.

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On April 7, the Sheriff’s Office received a report about a man who allegedly possessed and distributed child sexual abuse material through social media and electronic communications.

During its investigation, the Bureau of Criminal Investigations identified Matthews as the suspect. Investigators said they gathered evidence showing that he possessed and promoted child sexual abuse material.

On April 16, investigators executed a search warrant at Matthews' home. He was found to be in possession of an illegal firearm and a high-capacity magazine, authorities said.

Investigators said they found more evidence on April 19, leading to additional felony sex crime charges.

Matthews was arrested and arraigned in the Town of Putnam Valley Court on the initial charges.

He was later arraigned in the Town of Kent Court on the additional charges, and remanded to the Putnam County Correctional Facility without bail.

Matthews was charged with predatory sexual assault against a child; first-degree rape; first-degree incest; two counts of use of a child in a sexual performance; several counts of promoting a sexual performance by a child; several counts of possessing a sexual performance by a child; criminal possession of a firearm; and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

The Putnam County Sheriff's Office thanked the Carmel Police Department and the Town of Kent Police Department for their assistance during the investigation.

"Crimes committed against children are among the most heinous crimes we encounter," Sheriff Hess said. "I commend our Bureau of Criminal Investigations for their swift and thorough work in bringing this individual into custody."