Tip Leads To Child Sexual Exploitation Charges Against 70-Year-Old: NYSP

NEWBURGH, NY — A tip has led to child sexual exploitation charges against an elderly Hudson Valley man, according to state police.

New York State Police say that the Troop F Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) arrested 70-year-old Paul Merrill, of Newburgh, on Tuesday, on charges related to possessing and having access to several images consistent with child sexual exploitation.

He was charged with felony possessing a sexual performance by a child less than 16, with access to view.

State police say the arrest was the result of a CyberTip from the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), the Troop F Computer Crimes Unit (CCU), the Troop F Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) at Montgomery, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which led to the execution of a search warrant at Merrill's home in June of 2024.

Merrill was arrested in New Windsor, on Tuesday, after a traffic stop. He was taken to State Police Montgomery for processing, and was arraigned in the City of Newburgh Court.

Merrill was released on his own recognizance, and is scheduled to appear in the City of Newburgh Court on a future date.