Child Sex-Grooming Sting Nabs New Rochelle Man: Police

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — New Rochelle police have arrested a suspect after a weekslong child sex-grooming sting.

The New Rochelle Police Department announced the arrest of 31-year-old Marco A Chavez, of New Rochelle, by members of the Criminal Investigations Division on Tuesday. The arrest followed an investigation into allegations of inappropriate conduct involving a minor, police officials said.

The investigation began on February 25, when a 16-year-old girl and her mother filed a complaint with the New Rochelle Police Department. The complainants alleged that Chavez had sent inappropriate text messages to the minor.

Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division reviewed evidence they believe indicated Chavez was attempting to groom the victim for sexual activity.

Detectives then employed a department-issued cellular phone to communicate with Chavez, posing as the 16-year-old. Over the course of several exchanges, the suspect's messages became increasingly sexual in nature, police said, adding that this provided critical evidence of his intent.

Based on their communication with him, detectives organized a sting operation to apprehend Chavez.

Chavez agreed to meet the person who he believed to be the minor at a local park. On March 15, at approximately 9:20 p.m., Chavez arrived at the park by taxi and was immediately taken into custody. A search of his person revealed cocaine, alcohol and condoms.

Chavez was charged with attempted use of a child in a sexual performance, disseminating indecent material to a minor, attempted rape and criminal possession of a controlled substance.

The investigation remains ongoing, and anyone with additional information is being urged to contact the New Rochelle Police Department at 914-654-2300.