New York School Board Vice President and Drag Performer Arrested on Child Sex Crime Charges

Cazenovia, New York — A high-profile school board official who also performed as a drag queen and founded a local Pride organization has been arrested on serious allegations of child sex crimes.

Travis Longo, performing as “Anita Buffem,” faces state and federal charges involving explicit communications with a child under 12 and possession of child pornography- Credit: localsyr.com

On June 18, 2026, New York State Police arrested Travis J. Longo (also known as Travis Barr-Longo or Travis Barr), 46, of Cazenovia. He was charged with four counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Class A Misdemeanor). According to authorities, Longo engaged in “a pattern of sexually explicit communications with a child under the age of 12.”

Longo served as Vice President of the Cazenovia Central School District Board of Education, elected in 2024 with a term running through June 2027. He was also the founder of Cazenovia Pride Inc. (Cazenovia Pride Fest) and performed publicly as the drag queen Anita Buffem, at one point claiming to be among the first drag artists elected to public office in the U.S.

Federal Child Pornography Charges Added

Following the arrest, investigators seized Longo’s phone and discovered numerous images and videos of child pornography, including material depicting the sexual abuse of infants allegedly received via an internet messaging application. On June 20, he faced federal charges of receipt and possession of child pornography in court and remains detained.

Federal prosecutors emphasized the breach of trust: Longo was “entrusted by parents and the community to help protect and serve the interests of children.”

Swift Responses from School Board and Pride Group

The Cazenovia Central School District Board unanimously demanded Longo’s resignation with a deadline of noon on Monday, June 22, 2026. If he does not step down, the board will pursue formal removal under New York State Education Law. As of recent checks, he no longer appears in the active board listing on the district website.

The Pride organization that Longo formed cancelled all events and the full dissolution of the organization.

Cazenovia Pride Inc. announced the immediate cancellation of all events and the full dissolution of the organization. A statement noted that Longo has “no further affiliation” with the group, citing the serious nature of the charges.

Investigation Ongoing — Additional Victims Sought

The case is the result of a joint investigation involving the New York State Police Computer Crime Unit, Special Investigations Unit, Troop D Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and the Madison County Child Advocacy Center. Police believe additional victims may exist and are urging the public to come forward with information by contacting Troop D at (315) 366-6000 (case NY2600762245).

Official Sources

• New York State Police Press Release: troopers.ny.gov

• Detailed local reporting: LocalSYR / CNY Central and Syracuse.com

This case underscores the critical importance of vetting and accountability for those in positions of public trust, particularly roles involving oversight of children’s education and community programs. Shasta Unfiltered will continue to follow developments and similar stories nationwide that impact child safety and parental rights.

All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This article is based on official law enforcement statements, court information, and verified news reports. Fair use images included for news reporting and commentary purposes.