Judge dismisses charges against convicted sex offender
In Virginia, Judge Daniel Lopez has dropped charges against Richard Cox, a registered sex offender accused of inappropriate behavior in a girls’ high school locker room. Cox had claimed to be transgender, leading to a complex legal situation. Sean Kennedy, president of Virginians for Safe Communities, criticized the ruling, pointing out Cox’s troubling history that includes past convictions related to child pornography.
In a separate case, Travis Barr Longo, who identifies as the first drag queen on a public school board in New York, was apprehended on allegations of sexual misconduct involving a child. At 46, Longo, who serves as vice chair of the Cazenovia Central School District School Board, faces four charges related to endangering a child’s welfare.
He appeared in federal court, facing grave accusations of both receiving and possessing child pornography. Authorities noted that, during a search of his phone in mid-June, they unearthed numerous distressing images and videos, including footage of young children being abused. These materials were reportedly obtained from other individuals via messaging apps.
Court documents indicated that investigators also discovered communications on Longo’s device where he expressed sexual interest in children, mentioning a minor he had previously interacted with. If found guilty, he could face a minimum of five years in federal prison.
Longo, who had been elected to the school board in May 2024, often spoke publicly under the name Anita Buffem, highlighting his unique position in the education system. After charges were brought to light, the Cazenovia Board of Education declared they sought Longo’s immediate resignation, which he tendered on the following Monday night as stated by Superintendent Kevin Link.
The school board stated it was deeply saddened and outraged by the allegations, asserting its commitment to safeguarding the children in the community. They reiterated that while they condemn the actions outlined in the allegations, it is ultimately the justice system’s duty to ascertain guilt. They expressed gratitude to law enforcement for their efforts in protecting students from harm.
The Cazenovia School Board has started the process of removing Longo prior to his resignation. An immediate response to the media was not provided by the board regarding these serious circumstances.
