ROCKLAND COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY ISSUES STATEMENT ON POSSESSION OF SEXUAL PERFORMANCE BY A CHILD CASE

NEW CITY, N.Y. – District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II announced today that Damani Steadman, 21, of Tomkins Cove, New York, pled guilty to one count of Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child (Class “E” Felony) before the Honorable David M. Ascher on May 27, 2026.

This investigation began with a Cyber Tipline report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that referred to the Rockland County District Attorney’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.

The results of the investigation led to the execution of multiple search warrants on the defendant’s internet accounts, electronic devices, and home.

“While a plea agreement avoids the trauma of protracted trial for the victims, it does not diminish the gravity of the offenses. Behind every digital file in this case is a real child who suffered real harm. This plea serves as a necessary step toward justice and a safeguard against further exploitation. Thanks to the meticulous digital forensics of our ICAC task force, the evidence in this case left no room for doubt, culminating in the guilty plea we see before the court today.”

The investigation was led by the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Stony Point Police Department, New York State Police, and Homeland Security Investigations.

The defendant is scheduled for sentencing on September 1, 2026, before the Honorable David M. Ascher. The defendant will be sentenced to ten years-probation and will have to register as a sex offender.

The case was prosecuted by Supervising Assistant District Attorney Gerard M. Damiani III of the Special Victims Unit.

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