PAINTED POST, NY — New York State Police have arrested a youth sports coach accused of sending sexual images and communications to two children through social media.
Donavan C. Smith, 21, of Wellsburg, also known as Donavan C. Sutton, was taken into custody following an investigation by the State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
The investigation began on June 17, 2026, when a mandated reporter contacted State Police alleging a child under age 12 had received sexual images and communications from an adult youth sports coach during June 2026.
Investigators determined Smith also engaged in similar conduct with a second victim under age 17 during the same time frame.
The communications occurred over periods ranging from approximately one week to more than one month through the social media application Snapchat, according to police.
No physical contact between Smith and either victim was alleged.
Smith was charged with two counts of disseminating indecent material to minors in the first degree, attempted use of a child in a sexual performance, attempted promoting a sexual performance by a child, promoting a sexual performance by a child and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.
He was arraigned in Steuben County Centralized Arraignment Part Court and remanded to the Steuben County Jail in lieu of $25,000 cash bail or $50,000 bond.
Orders of protection were issued on behalf of the victims.
The investigation was conducted with assistance from the Steuben County Department of Social Services and Child Protective Services, and in consultation with the Steuben County District Attorney’s Office.
Anyone with information is asked to contact New York State Police at 585-398-4100 or [email protected].
