Former Teacher Accused Of Arranging Sex With Teen: FBI

COLD SPRING, NY — A Putnam County resident whom prosecutors described as a former teacher and public official is accused of attempting to entice a teen to engage in sexual activity. Charles Hustis, 36, of Cold Spring, New York, was arrested Monday.

Prosecutors said Hustis communicated over Facebook Messenger Dec. 8-16 with a 16-year-old. They allege Hustis sent the teen sexual images, including photographs of himself, and attempted to arrange a meeting for sex.

Hustis was arrested by law enforcement officers Monday after he arrived at a meeting location that he had arranged, prosecutors said, expecting to bring the teen back to his apartment for sexual activity.

"As alleged, Charles Hustis used his social media account in an attempt to persuade an innocent minor victim to meet with him and perform sexual acts. Sexualizing and preying on minors is unconscionable," U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said.

Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, William F. Sweeney Jr., the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Robert L. Langley Jr., the Putnam County Sheriff, announced the arrest.

"This is another example of why all law enforcement agencies should continue to work together at the local and federal levels in order to better serve their communities," Langley said.

Hustis is charged with one count of attempted enticement of a minor, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison. The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

"Predators who use their access to children for their own sexual gratification are a parent’s worst fear come true, and their actions can cause detrimental impacts on the victims," Sweeney said. "I want to thank the agents and detectives who worked this case for the speed with which they acted once they had the information regarding Mr. Hustis’s position in a school. If anyone in the community believes their child may have been a victim, we ask for them to call us at 1-800-CALL-FBI."

The investigation is ongoing.

Berman requests that any individuals with relevant information concerning Hustis should contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation at 1-800-CALL FBI.

The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s White Plains division. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas S. Bradley is in charge of the prosecution.

Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI, Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, and the Cold Spring Police Department.