The New York State Police arrested 33 year old Eugene Wade Hale of Hornell following an extensive child exploitation investigation conducted by the Bureau of Criminal Investigation in SP Hornell, and Troop E Computer Crimes Unit (CCU) and the Troop E Forensic Investigation Unit (FIU). The investigation originated with a referral from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

On May 22, 2025, Troop E CCU, FIU and BCI members executed a warrant on East Ave in the city of Hornell. Prior to execution, Hale was observed leaving the residence and was detained without incident. Multiple electronic devices were recovered pursuant to the search warrant and were submitted to the Troop E CCU for forensic analysis.

Forensic review later identified contraband images on Hale’s electronic devices. 

On October 30, 2025, Hale was arrested, processed at State Police barracks in Hornell, and transported to the Steuben County Jail for CAP arraignment.
 

And again, what the hell is in the water in Steuben County