Mahwah Man Nabbed In Online Child Exploitation Sting: FBI

MAHWAH, NJ — An undercover investigation in which FBI agents infiltrated internet platforms to investigate child exploitation resulted in charges against a Bergen County man and six others, officials announced Monday.

The New York State Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation collaborated in the "Undercover Child Exploitation Detail" based in the Town of Wallkill, in Orange County, NY, they said.

Among those arrested was Dimitriy Smolskiy Jr., 31, of Mahwah, who was charged with public lewdness. He was issued a ticket to appear in court, the FBI and New York State Police said in their announcement.

They did not elaborate on the reason for the charge.

In a release Monday, they said, "The operation, which took place over several days, resulted in the identification and apprehension of multiple suspects engaged in illegal activities related to child exploitation and trafficking. The detail deployed highly trained Investigators and Agents to infiltrate online platforms where these crimes are often facilitated. 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."

They added, "As a result of the operation, the following seven individuals were arrested and charged with various offenses. A historical investigation will continue into each of these individuals that were exposed during this investigation."

Others charged included Rafael Rosas Martinez, 38, Highland Mills, NY, with attempted rape and attempted endangering the welfare of a child; Steven M. Masnaghetti, 37, Newton, NJ, attempted rape and attempted endangering the welfare of a child; Moises Ortega, 37, New Windsor, NY, attempted rape, attempted endangering; Omar Palma-Santos, 36, Middletown, NY, attempted rape and attempted endangering; Kervin Constant, 56, Middletown, NY, attempted dissemination of indecent material to minors and attempted rape; and David Fisher Jr., 44, Mountainville, NY, attempted rape, attempted endangering.

The agencies said, "The New York State Police and FBI urge the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity related to child exploitation to law enforcement. The agencies will continue to conduct similar operations to safeguard the community from those who attempt to prey on children."

Anyone with additional information related to the arrested individuals is asked to contact State Police Middletown at Middletown Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) at 845-344-5300.

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