New Castle Man Accused In Child Sex Predator Sting

NEW CASTLE, NY — A New Castle man faces a charge of attempting to rape a child following an undercover operation targeting online child predators.

Prosecutors alleged that Dustin Layme, 26, made contact online with an undercover law enforcement agent who was posing as the parent of a young girl. During a series of sexually explicit online communications, he discussed engaging in various sexual acts with the child, including sexual intercourse, and arranged to meet with who he believed to be the child and her parent at a hotel in Greenburgh on Dec. 14. He was arrested after attempting to enter the hotel room where he believed the child and parent were waiting.

The District Attorney’s Office High Technology Crimes Squad then conducted a forensic analysis of Layme's cell phone, prosecutors said. They alleged investigators discovered numerous videos of children engaged in sexual acts.

Westchester County District Attorney Miriam E. Rocah and Homeland Security Investigations New York Acting Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan announced the arrest Wednesday.

"This investigation centered around allegations of an attempted rape and sexual assault of a pre-school aged child, and evolved to include additional abhorrent allegations," Keegan said. "I applaud the collaborative effort between HSI New York’s Hudson Valley Office and the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office for their commitment to ensuring our community is kept safe from accused child predators."

Layme was charged with Attempted Rape in the First Degree, Attempted Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, three counts of Possessing an Obscene Sexual Performance by a Child, and Attempted Predatory Assault Against a Child.

"We thank HSI for pursuing this case and bringing it to our Cyber Crimes Bureau," Rocah said. "Their vigilance is paramount to prevent vulnerable children from being sexually exploited and preyed upon. My Office will now seek to hold this defendant accountable."

Layme was remanded to Westchester County Jail. His next court date is Jan. 9.

Anyone who may have been victimized or may have more information about the defendant can contact the DA’s Office at 914-995-TIPS (8477). Language assistance is available.