Acting Major R. Christopher West
Troop G Commander
On August 27, 2020, State Police in Cobleskill, with the assistance of the Troop G Computer Crimes Unit, and the Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, arrested 33-year-old Robert W. Messler of Cobleskill, for Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child (D felony), Possessing a Sexual Performance by Child (E felony), and Criminal Possession of a Weapon 4th degree (A misdemeanor).
Messler is accused of possessing and promoting images consistent with child sexual exploitation via the internet. His arrest followed an investigation stemming from a cyber tip received by the New York State Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the execution of a search warrant at his residence. While carrying out the search warrant, investigators also located a handgun that Messler was did not have a permit to own.
Messler was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and released on his own recognizance. He is to be monitored by Schoharie County Probation and is due back in court on September 8, 2020 at 4:45 p.m.