HV Man Accused Of Bringing Teen From CT For Sex

NEWBURGH, NY — A Hudson Valley man who was accused in November 2020 of bringing a minor from another state for illegal sex was arrested in Florida earlier this month.

Audrey Strauss, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced Tuesday that Vernon E. Copeland III, 36, of Newburgh, was indicted for bringing the minor from Bridgeport, Connecticut, to Newburgh with the intent of having illegal sexual activity.

Copeland was charged by criminal complaint Nov. 20 but arrested Aug. 3 in Tampa, Florida. He will be brought to New York for arraignment and prosecution.

Strauss said Copeland preyed on a 13-year-old, whom he brought from Connecticut to Newburgh in order to have sex.

"Thanks to the FBI and the Town of Newburgh Police, Copeland is in custody and facing this serious federal charge," she said.

According to prosecutors, on Feb. 7, 2020, Copeland brought the 13-year-old from Bridgeport, Connecticut, to Newburgh, where he engaged and attempted to engage, in illegal sexual activity with the child.

He is charged with one count of transporting a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, which carries a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Any individuals who believe they have information that may be relevant to this investigation should contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or by leaving information on the FBI's tip line.