NEWS from NEW YORK STATE POLICE

Three arrested in Orange County during multiagency operation targeting internet crimes against children

Posted 9/16/26

ORANGE COUNTY, NY — The New York State Police coordinated a multi-agency Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) enforcement operation that resulted in the arrest of three individuals accused of …

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NEWS from NEW YORK STATE POLICE

Three arrested in Orange County during multiagency operation targeting internet crimes against children

Posted

ORANGE COUNTY, NY — The New York State Police coordinated a multi-agency Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) enforcement operation that resulted in the arrest of three individuals accused of using the internet to pursue illegal sexual activity involving children.

 The New York State Police operation was conducted in partnership with the City of Port Jervis Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation (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.

 Over the course of several days in August of 2026, New York State Police investigators in partnership with participating agencies conducted a proactive online enforcement detail focused on identifying individuals attempting to use digital platforms to sexually exploit children. Especially trained undercover investigators engaged with individuals who believed they were communicating with minors and took steps to arrange in-person encounters for illegal sexual activity.

 The operation resulted in the arrests of three individuals on felony and misdemeanor charges. Investigators will continue reviewing digital evidence, conducting follow-up investigations, and examining available information to identify potential additional victims, offenses, or involved individuals.

 New York State Troop F Bureau of Criminal Investigation Captain Brad Natalizio said:

“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.”

City of Port Jervis Chief William J. Worden said:

 “Protecting children is one of the most important responsibilities we share in law enforcement, and operations like this demonstrate what can be accomplished when agencies work together with a unified purpose. I am deeply grateful for the professionalism, collaboration and unwavering commitment shown by every law enforcement professional involved in this investigation. Their tireless efforts and dedication were essential to the success of this operation. These partnerships are vital to identifying offenders, safeguarding vulnerable children and keeping our communities safe, and we remain fully committed to continuing joint investigations and operations with our partner agencies in the future.”

 FBI New York Assistant Director in Charge James Barnacle said:

“This operation reflects the strength of coordinated law enforcement partnerships in confronting online threats to children. By bringing together our local, state and federal resources, we were able to act quickly to identify dangerous behavior and ensure those responsible are held accountable.” 

 Orange County Sheriff Paul Arteta said:

 "Protecting our children from those who hide behind screens to do them harm is one of our highest priorities. This operation sends a clear and unwavering message: if you target our youth, we will find you, and you will face the full consequences of the law. The success of this investigation is a direct result of the seamless collaboration between our local, state and federal partners. We will continue to leverage every resource and technology at our disposal to stay ahead of these predators and ensure our communities remain safe for the next generation."

 Rockland County Sheriff Louis Falco III said:

“Protecting our children from those who seek to exploit them online remains one of law enforcement’s most important responsibilities. This operation, which resulted in three arrests, demonstrates what can be accomplished when agencies across jurisdictional boundaries combine their expertise, resources and investigative capabilities toward a common mission.

 Internet crimes against children do not stop at municipal, county, or state borders, and neither can our efforts to combat them. I commend the investigators, detectives, prosecutors and law enforcement partners whose dedication and collaboration made this operation possible.

 The Rockland County Sheriff’s Office Intel Unit will continue working closely with our local, state and federal partners to identify individuals who seek to prey upon children, bringing those individuals before the justice system and protect the most vulnerable members of our communities.

 These arrests also serve as an important reminder to parents and caregivers to remain engaged in their children’s online activities and to speak with them about the potential dangers they may encounter on the internet.” 

Arrested Individuals:

Stephane Pontoizeau, age 39, of Mendham, NJ, is charged with the following:

  • Attempted Rape in the 2nd Degree, a class E felony
  • Attempted Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a class B misdemeanor

On August 14, 2026, Pontoizeau was arraigned in the City of Middletown Court and released on his own recognizance. 

Leroy Bruyn, age 54, of Pine Bush, NY, was charged with the following:

  • (Three counts) Attempted Rape in the 2nd Degree, a class E felony
  • Attempted Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a class B misdemeanor

On August 15, 2026, Bruyn was arraigned at Orange County Centralized Arraignment and remanded to the Orange County Jail with bail set at $15,000 cash bail, $30,000 bond, $60,000 partially secured bond.

Ramon Josue Lopez-Moreno, age 31, of Liberty, NY, is charged with the following:

  • Attempted Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a class B misdemeanor

On August 15, 2026, Lopez-Moreno was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the City of Port Jervis Court on August 24, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.

 The New York State Police emphasize that these arrests are merely accusations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

 Anyone who may have information related to these individuals or who believes they may have been a victim is encouraged to contact the New York State Police Troop F Headquarters at (845) 344-5300.

 The New York State Police remain committed, alongside our local, county, state, and federal law enforcement partners, to identifying individuals who exploit children online, protecting vulnerable victims, and holding offenders accountable.

Orange County, child sex abuse

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