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Dakota Rose, age 25, of East Northport, pleaded guilty to use of a child in a sexual performance and related charges in Suffolk County Court on Monday, Sept. 30.
It came months after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) contacted Suffolk County Police in February 2024 saying an East Northport resident had shared a video of child sexual abuse on social media.
On Tuesday, March 12, investigators executed a search warrant at Rose’s home, where they uncovered multiple electronic devices. One of the devices contained the same illicit video of Rose and the toddler that had been posted online.
Police also discovered two additional videos of child pornography on Rose’s phone. They determined that he exchanged all three videos with other people through both social media and text messages, including on at least one occasion for money.
“This defendant sexually exploited a young child and thought he could get away with it,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Tierney.
“Thanks to the tipster who reported this vile criminal activity to (NCMEC), this defendant will be held responsible for his crimes and a young victim will be spared from having to testify at trial.”
In court Monday, Rose pleaded guilty to use of a child in a sexual performance and sexual abuse, both felonies.
He is expected to receive between seven and 15 years, the maximum sentence allowed under state law, when he’s back in court on Thursday, Nov. 14.
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