CAZENOVIA, NY – The vice president of the Cazenovia Central School District Board of Education was arrested Thursday following a federal investigation into child exploitation material.
The Arrest and Federal Charges
Travis Barr Longo, 46, of Cazenovia, faces federal charges after New York State Troopers seized his cellphone. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York, authorities discovered numerous videos and photos depicting the abuse of infants on the device.
Prosecutors stated that Longo received the material from other users through an internet-based messaging application. He appeared in federal court on Saturday and remains held in custody pending further legal proceedings.
School Board Demands Resignation
The Cazenovia Central School District Board of Education released a unanimous statement expressing shock and outrage over the allegations. The board officially demanded Longo’s immediate resignation, setting a deadline of noon on Monday.
“We unanimously agreed to a swift and decisive process to demand Mr. Longo’s resignation, as this is the most expedient way to remove him from the Board, effective immediately,” the school board stated. If he does not resign voluntarily, the district plans to pursue formal removal through state-mandated channels.
Community Impact and Cancellations
Longo was a well-known figure in the local community, having founded Cazenovia Pride Fest and serving as a local performer. Following the arrest, organization leaders announced the cancellation of the upcoming Pride festival.
Danielle Synborski, president of the organization, expressed a deep sense of betrayal regarding the situation, noting the shock felt by members who worked alongside Longo over the past six years.
Potential Legal Penalties
Federal officials emphasized the severity of the case. If convicted, Longo faces a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and a lifetime term of supervised release. A conviction would also require mandatory registration as a sex offender.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Syracuse and local law enforcement partners confirmed that the investigation remains active.
