Putnam Man Accused Of Child Sex Crime

BREWSTER, NY — A Mahopac resident is accused of having sexual conduct with a young child almost a decade ago. On Sept. 11, New York State Police from the Brewster barracks arrested Fernando Cardenas for Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child in the 2nd Degree, a Class D Felony, and Endangering the Welfare of Child, a Class A Misdemeanor.

After an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Criminal Investigation and uniform members, police allege that between 2008 and 2009, Cardenas had sexual contact with a juvenile under the age of 12.

Anyone with additional information regarding Cardenas is encouraged to contact the State Police by calling (845) 677-7300. All calls can remain confidential.

The Putnam County Court issued an arrest warrant ordering Cardenas' arrest. The 54-year-old was arraigned in the Putnam County Court and remanded to the Putnam County Jail in lieu of $100,000 cash bail or $200,000 bond. Cardenas is scheduled to reappear in Putnam County Court Oct. 4.

Editor's Note: The time of the alleged crime was incorrect in the original version of the report from the state police.