Full Breakdown
Cazenovia School Board Vice President Arrested on Child Welfare Charges
6/21/2026, 2:10:53 AM
Arrest and Charges
On Thursday, June 20, 2026, New York State Police arrested Travis J. Longo, 46, vice president of the Cazenovia Central School District Board of Education. He faces four misdemeanor counts of endangering a child’s welfare after investigators said he exchanged sexually explicit messages with a child under 12 and may have contacted other victims.
Background
Longo also performs in drag as Anita Buffem, founded Cazenovia Pride Fest in 2021, and claims to be the first drag artist elected to an official U.S. position. He was elected to a three-year board term in May 2024, overseeing K-12 education.
Investigation and Agencies
The probe involved Troop D’s Criminal Investigation Bureau, the State Police Computer Crime Unit, the Special Investigations Unit, and the Madison County Child Advocacy Center. Superintendent Kevin Linck represents the district; the Madison County CAP Court handled Longo’s arraignment.
Timeline
- June 19, 2026 – Media first reported arrest.
- June 20, 2026 – Longo arrested.
- June 21, 2026 – Arraigned; released.
- June 22, 2026 – School website still lists him as board vice president.
- June 27, 2026 – Cazenovia Pride Fest canceled; organization dissolved.
- July 1, 2026 – Planned “Drag Bingo” event listed but uncertain.
Legal and Institutional Response
Superintendent Linck said the district learned of the arrest around 10:00 a.m., noted board members are not district employees, retained counsel, barred Longo from school grounds and events, and pledged a safe learning environment. Police urged tips to Troop D.
Impact on Cazenovia Pride Fest
The Pride organization announced the June 27 festival cancellation, its dissolution, and that Longo has no further affiliation with Cazenovia Pride Inc.
Data & Statistics
Four misdemeanor counts; alleged victim under 12; multiple state police units and a child advocacy center involved; no details of the communications released.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources name the suspect as Travis Longo, Travis Barr, Travis J. Longo, and Travis Barr-Longo. The district website still lists him as a board member, while officials stress he is not a district employee. Police have not disclosed the content of the alleged communications.
Verbatim Quotes
- “In a statement regarding Longo’s arrest, Superintendent Kevin Linck said: The District became aware of the arrest of our Board of Education vice-president Travis (Barr) Longo when the news was publicly disseminated at approximately 10:00 this morning.” — Kevin Linck, Superintendent
- “The District has retained and is working closely with legal counsel to review the matter thoroughly and determine the appropriate immediate steps.” — Kevin Linck, Superintendent
- “Investigators determined that Longo engaged in a pattern of sexually explicit communications with a child under the age of 12,” — New York State Police
- “This decision follows serious criminal charges against Travis Longo, the founder of Cazenovia Pride Fest and a longtime figure in our organization. Travis Longo has no further affiliation with Cazenovia Pride Inc.,” — Cazenovia Pride Inc.
What’s Next
Longo remains charged while the district reviews board membership; authorities continue to seek public information.
