Rockland 66-Year-Old Arrested In Undercover Predator Sting: DA

NYACK, NY — A Rockland County senior citizen was nabbed in an online sex predator sting, according to law enforcement officials.

Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II announced on Friday that 66-year-old Robert Fidler, of Nyack, was arrested on two counts of first degree attempted disseminating indecent material to a minor and two counts of attempted endangering the welfare of a child following an undercover operation by the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office Internet Crimes Against Child Task Force.

From April 30, 2024 to September 1, 2024, Fidler and an undercover officer, who had assumed the personas of a thirteen-year-old girl and a fourteen year-old girl, took part in internet chats in which Fidler attempted to arrange meetings with the undercover officer. During the conversations, Fidler described how he and the undercover would engage in sexual contact when they met.

"This arrest is a stark reminder that there are individuals who are using the internet to target and exploit innocent children in our community," the DA said. "This is a warning to any sexual predator: If you prey on children in Rockland County, we will find you, and you will face the full consequences under the law. My office will always be vigilant to protect our children and keep our community safe."

Fidler was arraigned in Town of Ramapo Justice Court by Judge Schoenberger on Wednesday.

The case was investigated by the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations, the Clarkstown Police Department, the Orangetown Police Department, and the Ramapo Police Department.