Morris County man among 3 arrested in New York internet crimes against children operation
ORANGE COUNTY, N.Y. — A Morris County man was among three people arrested during a multiagency internet crimes against children operation in Orange County, New York, according to New York State Police.
Stephane Pontoizeau, 39, of Mendham, was charged with attempted second-degree rape, a Class E felony, and attempted endangering the welfare of a child, a Class B misdemeanor.
Pontoizeau was arraigned Aug. 14 in Middletown City Court and released on his own recognizance, police said.
The arrests stemmed from a multiagency Internet Crimes Against Children enforcement operation coordinated by New York State Police over several days in August.
According to police, specially trained undercover investigators communicated online with individuals who allegedly believed they were communicating with minors. Investigators said the individuals took steps to arrange in-person encounters for illegal sexual activity.
“Those charged in this operation believed they were communicating with children and took deliberate steps to exploit them. The New York State Police will continue to aggressively identify, investigate, and hold accountable those who target children online.
“These crimes often cross jurisdictional boundaries, making strong partnerships among local, county, state, and federal agencies essential. The cooperation, expertise, and teamwork demonstrated throughout this operation were critical to its success, and we thank every participating agency and law enforcement professional involved,” New York State Police Troop F Bureau of Criminal Investigation Capt. Brad Natalizio said.
Also arrested was Leroy Bruyn, 54, of Pine Bush, New York, who was charged with three counts of attempted second-degree rape and attempted endangering the welfare of a child. He was arraigned Aug. 15 and remanded to the Orange County Jail with bail set at $15,000 cash, $30,000 bond or $60,000 partially secured bond.
Ramon Josue Lopez-Moreno, 31, of Liberty, New York, was charged with attempted endangering the welfare of a child. He was issued an appearance ticket for Port Jervis City Court.
The operation involved New York State Police, Port Jervis police, the FBI Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force, New York State Intelligence Center, Hudson Valley Crime Analysis Center, Rockland County Intelligence Center, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Deerpark Police Department, Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office, Orange County District Attorney’s Office and Pike County District Attorney’s Office.
Investigators are continuing to review digital evidence and conduct follow-up investigations to determine whether there are additional victims, offenses or people involved.
Anyone with information related to the defendants or who believes they may have been a victim is asked to contact New York State Police Troop F Headquarters at 845-344-5300.
