Wallkill resident Patrick V. Panaro, 58, was arrested following a joint investigation involving several law enforcement agencies, the Town of Warwick Police Department announced on Friday, Oct. 9.
Police said the investigation uncovered allegations of harassment and stalking targeting multiple victims over approximately seven years. During that time, Panaro used various online platforms and techniques to conceal or disguise the phone numbers behind his communications, police said.
According to investigators, those methods included blocking incoming numbers and making fake phone numbers appear on victims' caller identification systems.
The communications also included sexually explicit photographs, sexually explicit references, and threats of bodily harm, police said.
The investigation led authorities to obtain and execute a search warrant at Panaro's residence. Following the search, Panaro was arrested and charged with second-degree harassment, second-degree aggravated harassment, fourth-degree stalking, and third-degree stalking.
He was arraigned in Middletown City Court and released with instructions to appear in Town of Warwick Court at a later date.
The investigation involved the Town of Warwick Police Department, New York State Police, Town of Goshen Police Department, Orange County Sheriff's Office, and Orange County District Attorney's Office.
Police said the investigation remains active and that there may be more victims.
Anyone who believes they may have been stalked or harassed by Panaro is encouraged to contact the Warwick Police Detective Division or the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
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