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Online Safety

FBI Seeks Possible Victims In Case Of Ex-Dutchess Teacher Accused Of Sending Nudes To Teens FBI Seeks Possible Victims In Case Of Ex-Dutchess Teacher Accused Of Sending Nudes To Teens
FBI Seeks Possible Victims In Case Of Ex-Dutchess Teacher Accused Of Sending Nudes To Teens Federal investigators are asking for the public’s help in identifying possible victims in the case of a former Dutchess County special education teacher accused of sexually exploiting minors online.  The FBI’s New York Division announced earlier in April that it is seeking information related to Daniel Monarchi, 26, of Red Hook, who was arrested in August 2025 on federal charges of sexual exploitation of a child. As previously reported by Daily Voice, Monarchi worked as a special education teacher at Haviland Middle School in Hyde Park and is accused of using social media to contact an…
Middle School Student Arrested In Sextortion Investigation In NY, Police Say Middle School Student Arrested In Sextortion Investigation In NY, Police Say
Middle School Student Arrested In Sextortion Investigation In NY, Police Say A months-long sextortion investigation at a Rockland County middle school has led to the arrest of a young student, police announced. The Stony Point Police Department announced Wednesday, Sept. 17, that a Fieldstone Middle School student was taken into custody after victims came forward to report they were being coerced online.  Police said the case began in February 2025, when students reported the behavior to their school resource officer and administrators.   Investigators said around six victims have been identified so far, though they believe there may be hundreds more…
NY Man, 28, Sent Sexually Explicit Pics To Undercover Agent He Thought Was Teen Girl: DA NY Man, 28, Sent Sexually Explicit Pics To Undercover Agent He Thought Was Teen Girl: DA
NY Man, 28, Sent Sexually Explicit Pics To Undercover Agent He Thought Was Teen Girl: DA A Rockland County man is accused of sending sexually explicit messages and images to someone he thought was a 14-year-old girl, prosecutors said.  Victor Caligiuri, 28, of Bardonia, was arraigned in Rockland County Court on four counts of first-degree attempted disseminating indecent materials to minors, Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II announced on Thursday, Sept. 11.  According to court documents, between June 1 and Aug. 31, 2025, Caligiuri allegedly sent sexually explicit messages, photos, and videos through the mobile app Kik to an undercover investigator w…
Roblox Let Sexual Predator Target 12-Year-Old NY Girl, Lawsuit Claims Roblox Let Sexual Predator Target 12-Year-Old NY Girl, Lawsuit Claims
Roblox Let Sexual Predator Target 12-Year-Old NY Girl, Lawsuit Claims Roblox is facing a federal lawsuit from the guardian of a 12-year-old New York girl who says the gaming giant put profits over safety, leaving children vulnerable to predators on its platform. The suit – filed on behalf of a Schenectady family in federal court in northern California on Tuesday, Aug. 26 – alleges that Roblox Corporation knowingly designed and marketed its app in a way that exposed children to sexual predators while misrepresenting it as safe for young users. It accuses Roblox of multiple counts, including fraudulent concealment, negligent misrepresentation, general negligen…
Spotify Adds Direct Messages For Sharing Songs, Podcasts: How It Works Spotify Adds Direct Messages For Sharing Songs, Podcasts: How It Works
Spotify Adds Direct Messages For Sharing Songs, Podcasts: How It Works There's a new app where you can "Slide" into someone's DMs like a song by the Goo Goo Dolls or Calvin Harris and Frank Ocean. Spotify is rolling out its new Messages feature, the music streaming giant announced on Tuesday, Aug. 26. The messaging tool will help users share their favorite music, podcasts, and audiobooks without leaving the app. Free and Premium users ages 16 and older will start getting access to Messages throughout late August. The one-on-one conversations will allow friends and family to swap tracks, send texts, and react with emojis. Spotify said its direct mess…
Middle School Librarian Shared Child Porn; Had Box Of Kids’ Items, Costumes: DOJ Middle School Librarian Shared Child Porn; Had Box Of Kids’ Items, Costumes: DOJ
Middle School Librarian Shared Child Porn; Had Box Of Kids’ Items, Costumes: DOJ Federal prosecutors say a Longmeadow Public Schools middle school librarian is facing child pornography charges after a months-long undercover investigation. Scott McGinley, 55, of Holyoke, Massachusetts, is accused of distributing child sexual abuse material in an online group called “Little boyz only.” Authorities say that during conversations with undercover officers posing as fellow users, McGinley allegedly disclosed his sexual preference for “boys age 2-12” and “especially 4-7.' The US Attorney for Massachusetts prosecutors say McGinley told the undercover officer he had “students” wh…
YouTube Launches New Tech To Verify Ages Automatically Amid Privacy Concerns YouTube Launches New Tech To Verify Ages Automatically Amid Privacy Concerns
YouTube Launches New Tech To Verify Ages Automatically Amid Privacy Concerns YouTube will begin using artificial intelligence to estimate whether US users are under 18, regardless of the birthdate on their account. Google started using the AI system on Wednesday, Aug. 13. The change will apply safeguards like limiting advertisements and adjusting recommendations to more teen YouTube accounts, even if users entered an adult birthdate. The AI system will analyze signals such as YouTube activity and how long the account has been active. If flagged as under 18, users will get a notification and can verify their age through a government ID, selfie, or credit ca…
Viral Social Media Challenge Leaves 9-Year-Old With Severe Burns; 12-Year-Old Charged (UPDATE) Viral Social Media Challenge Leaves 9-Year-Old With Severe Burns; 12-Year-Old Charged (UPDATE)
Viral Social Media Challenge Leaves 9-Year-Old With Severe Burns; 12-Year-Old Charged (Update) A 12-year-old boy is facing charges after pouring boiling water on his sleeping 9-year-old brother during a social media prank in Lancaster Township, police announced on Thursday, Aug. 7. The incident happened on Tuesday, July 29, when the boy boiled water in a microwave and dumped it on his younger brother while he slept, according to Lancaster Township police. The victim suffered severe burns to his neck and chest and was rushed to the Lehigh Burn Center for treatment, authorities said in a release on Tuesday, Aug. 5. Two days later a 12-year-old was charged with Aggravated Assault and R…
Man Caught On Cruise Ship With Secret Child Porn Folder Charged In Global Exploitation Ring: HS Man Caught On Cruise Ship With Secret Child Porn Folder Charged In Global Exploitation Ring: HS
Man Caught On Cruise Ship With Secret Child Porn Folder Charged In Global Exploitation Ring: HS A Pennsylvania man returning from a cruise was intercepted by U.S. Customs and found with a secret folder of child pornography on his phone, leading to 46 felony charges after investigators uncovered his alleged role in an international child exploitation ring, Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele announced on Friday, Aug. 1. Matthew Thomas Pappalardo, 38, of Casselberry Drive, Lower Providence, allegedly used encrypted apps and hidden folders to collect and trade child sexual abuse material while chatting with minors as young as 13, according to a criminal complaint. **WARNI…
635K Instagram, Facebook Accounts Removed For Targeting Children As Meta Adds Safety Tools 635K Instagram, Facebook Accounts Removed For Targeting Children As Meta Adds Safety Tools
635K Instagram, Facebook Accounts Removed For Targeting Children As Meta Adds Safety Tools Meta says it has removed about 635,000 Instagram and Facebook accounts for trying to exploit children as it updates its teen safety features. The tech giant announced changes to its measures aimed at protecting young users in a blog post on Wednesday, July 23. The purge comes as Meta adds new restrictions to accounts run by adults that feature children. In the first half of 2025, Meta said its enforcement teams took down nearly 135,000 Instagram accounts for leaving sexualized comments or requesting sexual images on accounts that primarily feature children under 13.…
'I Think I Found A Child Predator': YouTube-Inspired Sleuth Helps Police Nab CT Man In Sting 'I Think I Found A Child Predator': YouTube-Inspired Sleuth Helps Police Nab CT Man In Sting
'I Think I Found A Child Predator': YouTube-Inspired Sleuth Helps Police Nab CT Man In Sting After watching YouTube videos about catching child predators, a civilian helped state police arrest a Connecticut man accused of trying to meet a 15-year-old boy through a dating app, authorities said. Eric Vendette, 49, of Stafford, was charged with risk of injury to a minor and using a computer to entice a minor under 18, Connecticut State Police announced. According to investigators, the citizen sleuth contacted Vendette online and asked if he was “into younger men.” From there, the conversations escalated. Vendette, police said, claimed he would act like a father figure but continued to…
Former NY Substitute Teacher Admits Having Child Pornography Involving Infants, Feds Say Former NY Substitute Teacher Admits Having Child Pornography Involving Infants, Feds Say
Former NY Substitute Teacher Admits Having Child Pornography Involving Infants, Feds Say A former staff member of a suburban New York school district has pleaded guilty to child pornography charges after investigators found hundreds of disturbing images, including those involving infants, according to federal prosecutors.  Kevin Burns, 45, of Irondequoit, pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor, the US Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York announced Tuesday, July 1.  The charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. According to prosecutors, Burns came under investigation after h…
'Wolf In Sheep's Clothing': HV School Coach Used Snapchat To Get Nudes From Minors, Feds Say 'Wolf In Sheep's Clothing': HV School Coach Used Snapchat To Get Nudes From Minors, Feds Say
'Wolf In Sheep's Clothing': HV School Coach Used Snapchat To Get Nudes From Minors, Feds Say A football coach and athletic director at a Westchester County high school faces federal child pornography charges after allegedly using Snapchat and other apps to coerce young victims into sending sexually explicit photos of themselves, prosecutors said.  Eastchester resident Thomas Puccini, age 28, was arrested on Wednesday, May 21, and appeared the same day in White Plains federal court, where he was ordered detained, according to US Attorney for the Southern District of New York Jay Clayton.  Puccini was employed as the Interim Director of Physical Education, Health, and …
Man Tried To Meet With Boy In HV For Sex, Was Arrested Instead In Hotel Parking Lot: DA Man Tried To Meet With Boy In HV For Sex, Was Arrested Instead In Hotel Parking Lot: DA
Man Tried To Meet With Boy In HV For Sex, Was Arrested Instead In Hotel Parking Lot: DA A New Jersey man arrested in an undercover child exploitation operation in the parking lot of a Rockland County hotel has now been formally indicted on charges including attempted rape, prosecutors announced.  Essex County resident Carl Ellis, 55, of Maplewood, NJ, was arraigned Wednesday, May 21, in Rockland County Court on an indictment charging him with several felonies, the Rockland County District Attorney's Office announced on Thursday, May 22.  According to Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II, Ellis engaged in sexually explicit text conversations between Ap…
NJ Man Had Sex With Dogs, Possessed 9K Files Of Child Porn: Prosecutor NJ Man Had Sex With Dogs, Possessed 9K Files Of Child Porn: Prosecutor
NJ Man Had Sex With Dogs, Possessed 9K Files Of Child Porn: Prosecutor A 26-year-old Maple Shade man was arrested and charged on Thursday, May 8 with having sex with a Rottweiler, among other offenses, authorities said. Law enforcement began investigating Hunter Roy after receiving a tip that he distributed more than 9,000 files of child pornography, Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia  Bradshaw and Maple Shade Police Chief Christopher Fletcher said. Roy was also communicating with an underage boy, with whom he sent child pornography, authorities said. Roy also made videos of himself engaging in sexual acts with a Rottweiler and a smaller dog, tradin…
Criminal Network Targets Kids At Home, FBI Says: What To Know About 764 Criminal Network Targets Kids At Home, FBI Says: What To Know About 764
Criminal Network Targets Kids At Home, FBI Says: What To Know About 764 Federal authorities are intensifying efforts against a disturbing online network known as "764," which they describe as a violent extremist group that targets and exploits children through social media and gaming platforms. Two men have been charged for allegedly leading the enterprise: Leonidas Varagiannis, age 21, a US citizen living in Thessaloniki, Greece, and Prasan Nepal, age 20, of North Carolina.  Varagiannis was arrested on Monday, May 6, in Greece. Nepal was arrested Monday, April 22, in North Carolina and has since made a court appearance. Both are expected to appear in cour…
Obscene Photos Sent To Girl, 11: Registered Sex Offender From Dutchess Charged, Feds Say Obscene Photos Sent To Girl, 11: Registered Sex Offender From Dutchess Charged, Feds Say
Obscene Photos Sent To Girl, 11: Registered Sex Offender From Dutchess Charged, Feds Say A 27-year-old New York man is accused of sending an 11-year-old Massachusetts girl sexually explicit pictures while he was already a registered sex offender, federal prosecutors announced.  Dutchess County resident David Fernandes III of Lagrangeville was arrested on Thursday, May 1 on federal charges after allegedly sending obscene photos to a young girl, the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York announced on Monday, May 5.  According to prosecutors, on Oct. 8, 2024, Fernandes sent the girl a photo of an adult man's hand holding a penis while being a reg…
Former Iona Golfer Requested Nude Pics From Kids Online: Prosecutor Former Iona Golfer Requested Nude Pics From Kids Online: Prosecutor
Former Iona Golfer Requested Nude Pics From Kids Online: Prosecutor A 28-year-old New Jersey man who played college golf was arrested and charged on Wednesday, April 23 with possessing child pornography, authorities said. Investigators began looking into Kevin Kramarski, a Moorestown, NJ resident, after receiving a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about his online activities, Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia Bradshaw said. The tip included his efforts to purchase child sexual abuse material online and engaging in online chats with juveniles where he requested they send him nude photos, the prosecutor said. Kev…
Sophisticated Phishing Attack Targets Gmail Users: What To Know Sophisticated Phishing Attack Targets Gmail Users: What To Know
Sophisticated Phishing Attack Targets Gmail Users: What To Know A new phishing scam is fooling even tech-savvy Gmail users by disguising itself as a legitimate security alert from Google — with no warning signs from Gmail itself. The scam came to light after developer Nick Johnson shared a warning on social media about a highly convincing phishing email that landed in his inbox.  The message appeared to come from [email protected], Google’s real notification address, and passed standard authentication checks, including the DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) signature.  Gmail offered no alerts, and the message was grouped with actual…
Meta To Limit Instagram Livestreaming For Some Teens: Here's How Meta To Limit Instagram Livestreaming For Some Teens: Here's How
Meta To Limit Instagram Livestreaming For Some Teens: Here's How Younger teens won't be able to go live on Instagram anytime soon unless they have a parent's permission. Meta has banned users under 16 from livestreaming unless approved by a parent, the tech giant said in a blog post on Tuesday, April 9. The change is part of a broader push to expand protections for teen users across Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger. There are at least 54 million active "Teen Accounts" worldwide, according to Meta. "With these changes, teens under 16 will be prohibited from going Live unless their parents give them permission to do so," Meta said "We'll …
Online Meet-Up Turns Violent: 21-Year-Old Nearly Kills Man Inside Area Home, Cops Say Online Meet-Up Turns Violent: 21-Year-Old Nearly Kills Man Inside Area Home, Cops Say
Online Meet-Up Turns Violent: 21-Year-Old Nearly Kills Man Inside Area Home, Cops Say An online meet-up ended with a 21-year-old Capital Region man facing attempted murder charges. Troy Police responded to an apartment on 2nd Avenue after neighbors called 911 reporting a man who was seriously injured on Monday, March 24. An investigation found that the victim had connected with Jahnye Griffin on social media and the two had agreed to meet at the victim’s apartment, Troy Police said. Shortly after arriving, Griffin began punching, kicking, and choking the victim before fleeing the scene with the man’s cell phone, according to police. The victim eventually sought help from n…
TikTok Adding Amber Alerts To 'For You' Pages: How The App Could Help Save Lives TikTok Adding Amber Alerts To 'For You' Pages: How The App Could Help Save Lives
TikTok Adding Amber Alerts To 'For You' Pages: How The App Could Help Save Lives Amber alerts are now live on TikTok nationwide, putting urgent information about missing children directly in front of millions of users within seconds. TikTok announced it was launching amber alerts on "For You" pages in a news release on Thursday, Mar. 20. The move is part of a partnership with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Amber alerts were successfully tested in Texas, where alerts appeared in users' FYP feeds and were viewed more than 20 million times in just four months. The pilot program also sent more than 2.5 million people to the NCMEC's …
Viral Fake Serial Killer Post Appearing On Putnam Social Media Accounts: Sheriff Viral Fake Serial Killer Post Appearing On Putnam Social Media Accounts: Sheriff
Viral Fake Serial Killer Post Appearing On Putnam Social Media Accounts: Sheriff Authorities in the Hudson Valley are cautioning residents to be vigilant about a fake social media post that has been circulating nationwide and is now appearing on local accounts.  In an announcement on Monday, Jan. 13, the Putnam County Sheriff's Office said the fraudulent post warns of a "serial killer on the loose," featuring an image of a supposed suspect and victim names.  However, the Sheriff's Office has confirmed that there is no validity to the post.  According to authorities, scammers often use these posts to manipulate users. Once shared, the original c…
Man Nabbed In Undercover Online Predator Sting In Hudson Valley, DA Says Man Nabbed In Undercover Online Predator Sting In Hudson Valley, DA Says
Man Nabbed In Undercover Online Predator Sting In Hudson Valley, DA Says A man is facing multiple charges after an online predator sting in the region. From Tuesday, April 30, through Sunday, Sept. 1 of this year, Robert Fidler age 66, of Nyack engaged in internet chats and attempted to arrange meetings with what he thought were two teenage girls, the Rockland County District Attorney's Office said. An undercover officer of the DA Office's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force had assumed the personas of 13- and 14-year-old girls. During the conversations, Fidler described how he and the undercover officer would engage in sexual contact whe…
Warning Issued For Nationwide Automated 'Sextortion' Scam: Here's What To Know Warning Issued For Nationwide Automated 'Sextortion' Scam: Here's What To Know
Warning Issued For Nationwide Automated 'Sextortion' Scam: Here's What To Know Authorities are warning the public of a nationwide automated scam in which scammers use people’s email addresses to coerce payments by intimidating them with threats of embarrassment. Victims of the "sextortion" scheme, usually children and teens, are manipulated to photograph or video material for extortionists. "After receiving the sexually explicit content from the child, the offender threatens to release that compromising material unless the victim produces additional explicit material," said the FBI in issuing the warning to parents, educators, caregivers, and children. In a sepa…