2 Hudson Valley Men Among Those Swept Up In Multiagency Internet Crimes Against Children Op in Rockland: NYSP

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — An investigation into online crimes against children led to the arrest of suspects in two states.

The New York State Police said it coordinated a multiagency Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) operation that resulted in the arrest of five men accused of attempting to sexually exploit children online.

The investigation was conducted with the Rockland County Sheriff's Office, the Town of Ramapo Police Department, the Rockland County Intelligence Center, the FBI Safe Streets Task Force and the New York State Intelligence Center.

What was described by police as a "proactive operation" was conducted over several days in June, using undercover investigators and advanced cyber investigative techniques. The operation set out to identify those who used online platforms to communicate with what they believed were minors for the purpose of arranging in-person meetings to engage in illegal sexual activity, according to NYSP.

As a result of the operation, five men were arrested on felony and misdemeanor charges. Investigators said they will continue to examine digital evidence and other information to determine if there are additional victims or criminal offenses.

"The individuals arrested in this operation believed they were communicating with children and intended to exploit them," New York State Police Troop F Bureau of Criminal Investigation Captain Brad Natalizio said. "Through proactive investigations and strong partnerships with our local, county, state, and federal law enforcement partners, we are identifying offenders before they can harm a child. Protecting children remains one of our highest priorities."

Rockland County Sheriff Louis Falco III said that the operation offered a unique to protect children before the harm is done.

"This operation reflects our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community," Falco said. "Through the coordinated efforts of our local, county, state, and federal law enforcement partners, we successfully identified and apprehended individuals seeking to exploit children online. The dedication and teamwork displayed throughout this investigation demonstrate our shared mission to ensure those who target children are held fully accountable. We will continue to use every resource available to prevent these crimes and safeguard our community."

In all, five suspects have been arrested in the operation so far.

Oleksandr Vershok, 36, of Brooklyn was charged with second-degree attempted rape, and attempted endangering the welfare of a child. On June 12, Vershok was arraigned in the Town of Ramapo Court.

Anthony J. Kamycki, 36, of Ronkonkoma was charged with attempted rape and felony attempted disseminating indecent materials to a minor. On June 12, Kamycki was arraigned in the Town of Ramapo Court.

Ritchy D. Mercure, 24, of Spring Valley, was charged with attempted rape and attempted endangering the welfare of a child. On June 13, Mercure was arraigned in the Town of Ramapo Court.

Alex Garrett, 26, of Secaucus, New Jersey was charged with two counts of attempted rape, and attempted unlawful dealing with a child. On June 13, Garrett was arraigned in the Town of Ramapo Court.

Bryan J. Wylong, 24, of Poughkeepsie, was charged with three felony counts of attempted rape, and felony attempted disseminating indecent materials to a minor. On June 23, Wylong was arraigned at the Orange County Centralized Arraignment.

"This operation was a testament to the strength of interagency cooperation that exists here in Rockland County," Town of Ramapo Police Department Chief Dan Hyman said. "Our local, county, state, and federal law enforcement partners worked together with one shared objective, protecting our children from those who seek to exploit or prey upon them. Crimes against children will not be tolerated in our community."

Anyone who may have information related to these individuals or who believes they may have been a victim is encouraged to contact the New York State Police Troop F Headquarters at 845-344-5300.