NYACK MAN ARRESTED IN UNDERCOVER ONLINE PREDATOR STING
Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II announced today that Robert Fidler 66, of Nyack, New York was arrested on two counts of Attempted Disseminating Indecent Material to a Minor in the First Degree (P.L. § 110/235.22) and two counts of Attempted Endangering the Welfare of a Child (P.L. § 110/260.10(1) following an undercover operation by the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office Internet Crimes Against Child Task Force.
From April 30, 2024, through September 01, 2024, the defendant and an undercover officer of the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, who had assumed the personas of a thirteen-year-old female and a fourteenyear-old female, engaged in internet chats in which the defendant attempted to arrange meetings with the undercover officer. During the conversations, the defendant described how he and the undercover would engage in sexual contact when they met.
District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II said, “This arrest is a stark reminder that there are individuals who are using the internet to target and exploit innocent children in our community. This is a warning to any sexual predator: If you prey on children in Rockland County, we will find you, and you will face the full consequences under the law. My office will always be vigilant to protect our children and keep our community safe. "
The case was investigated by the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations (NY), Clarkstown Police Department, Orangetown Police Department, and the Ramapo Police Department.
The defendant was arraigned in Town of Ramapo Justice Court by Judge Schoenberger on September 25, 2024.
First Assistant District Attorney Kathleen Devlin and Senior Assistant District Attorney Joseph Santangelo is prosecuting the case.
It should be noted that a criminal complaint is merely an accusation, and an individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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