Drag queen elected as school board vice president now facing child porn allegations

A 46-year-old school board vice president was charged with receipt and possession of child pornography over the weekend, according to the Department of Justice. Investigators discovered numerous pornographic images and videos featuring children on the phone of Travis Longo, the DOJ alleged. At least two of those videos depicted sexual assaults against infants less than 1 year old, one involved a child aged between 12 and 18 months old, and another involved a boy between the ages of 5 and 7, according to an FBI affidavit.

New York State Police initially arrested Longo last week on allegations of repeated sexually explicit communications with a child under the age of 12. State troopers discovered the pornography during a search of Longo’s phone, according to the FBI. Longo was also known to perform in drag under the stage name Anita Buffem, and was dubbed the first drag performer elected to public office.

Local residents elected Longo in 2024 to serve a three-year term as vice president on the Cazenovia Central School District Board of Education. Rather than serve and protect the interests of children as the school board vice president, Longo exploited public trust and actively sought images and videos depicting heinous abuse against children, according to First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III.

What has the school board said? The school district released a Tuesday statement reporting that Longo resigned from his board position on Monday. Longo deeply betrayed the entire community, according to the Cazenovia Board of Education. The role of a board member for the most part does not involve interaction with students, and members do not have access to databases with students’ personally identifiable information, the board said. The board added that the only time board members could access students during classes or on school grounds was during scheduled tours. Mental health and emotional support are available for students who need assistance during this incredibly heartbreaking experience, the board said.