‘Operation Catfish:’ Rockland County task force busts 7 for online sex crimes against children
The goal was to catch people online who are attempting to lure children to meet for sex or are spreading child sexual abuse material.
•
Dec 14, 2022, 3:19 AM
•
Updated 590 days ago
Share:
More Stories
0:49
Olympic watch party in Pomona cheers on Rockland athletes
2h ago0:49
New basketball documentary film 'The Process' has ties to Westchester
2h ago2:04
Sunny skies and warm temps for Saturday in the Hudson Valley
2h ago1:54
Boar’s Head deli meat recalled for potential listeria contamination
3h ago1:52
Hudson Valley doctors warn of listeria dangers following multi-state outbreak
3h ago0:17
Yorktown police sergeant celebrates final walkout following 2 decades of service
4h ago0:49
Olympic watch party in Pomona cheers on Rockland athletes
2h ago0:49
New basketball documentary film 'The Process' has ties to Westchester
2h ago2:04
Sunny skies and warm temps for Saturday in the Hudson Valley
2h ago1:54
Boar’s Head deli meat recalled for potential listeria contamination
3h ago1:52
Hudson Valley doctors warn of listeria dangers following multi-state outbreak
3h ago0:17
Yorktown police sergeant celebrates final walkout following 2 decades of service
4h agoRockland County investigators arrested seven people for sex crimes as part of a monthslong cybercrime operation known as "Operation Catfish."
Rockland County District Attorney's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force led the investigation.
The goal was to catch people online who are attempting to lure children to meet for sex or are spreading child sexual abuse material.
The effort involved federal, state and local law enforcement. They looked for adults using chatrooms and social media platforms to engage in inappropriate conversations with minors.
"We will track you down. We will identify you. We will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law," said Rockland County District Attorney Tom Walsh. "We will ensure the safety of our children at all times."
The seven individuals face felony sex crimes, and one has pleaded guilty.
"Please, be careful. Watch what your children do on the internet. There are people out there that wish, and will do, them harm," says Walsh.
The Rockland County District Attorney's Office has been a member of the Internet Crimes Against Children since 2020.
