47°
It was conducted over several days by New York State Police and the FBI in Orange County, in the town of Wallkill.
"The detail deployed highly trained Investigators and agents to infiltrate online platforms where these crimes are often facilitated," according to state police. "Utilizing advanced cyber tactics, Investigators and Agents were able to identify individuals attempting to exploit vulnerable children through the internet and meet them in person."
As a result of the operation, the following individuals were arrested and charged with various offenses.
- Orange County resident Rafael Rosas Martinez, age 38, of Highland Mills. Charges: Attempted rape, attempted endangering the welfare of a child. Remanded: $2000 cash/ $5000 bond
- Sussex County (NJ) resident Steven M. Masnaghetti, age 37, of Newton. Charges: Attempted rape, attempted endangering the welfare of a child. Remanded: $2000 cash/ $5000 bond.
- Orange County resident Moises Ortega, age 37, of New Windsor, Charges: Attempted rape, attempted endangering the welfare of a child. Remanded: $2000 cash/ $5000 bond.
- Orange County resident Omar Palma-Santos, age 36, of Middletown. Charges: Attempted rape, attempted endangering the welfare of a child. Remanded: $5000 cash/$10,000 bond/$50,000 partially secured bond.
- Orange County resident Kervin Constant, age 56, of Middletown. Charges: Attempted dissemination of indecent aterial to minors, attempted rape. Remanded: $1000 cash/ $2000 bond/ $3000 partially secured bond.
- Orange County resident David Fisher Jr., age 44, of Mountainville. Charges: Attempted rape, attempted endangering the welfare of a child. Remanded: $800 cash/$2000 bond/$4000 partially secured bond.
- Bergen County (NJ) resident Dimitriy Smolskiy Jr., age 31, of Mahwah, Charge: Public Lewdness, issued an appearance ticket.
"A historical investigation will continue into each of these individuals that were exposed during this investigation," said state police, adding that the public should "remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity related to child exploitation to law enforcement.
Anyone who may have additional information related to the arrested individuals, is asked to contact State Police Middletown barracks' Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) at 845-344-5300
Click here to follow Daily Voice Pawling and receive free news updates.
