In a case that highlights ongoing concerns about the protection of minors online, David Fernandes III, a Lagrangeville, New York resident, has been arrested on serious charges involving alleged sexual exploitation of a child. According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office, Fernandes, who is 27 and a registered sex offender, stands accused of transferring obscene material to a minor.
Previously convicted in New York state and completing a five-year probation sentence just a month before his latest alleged offense, the circumstances surrounding Fernandes's recent alleged reoffense have been unveiled by federal prosecutors. Having sent obscene photos, he was found engaging with an 11-year-old using lewd communications. On arrest last Thursday, Fernandes appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy and was ordered retained.
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton expressed the gravity of the situation, “Allegedly, David Fernandes III, a registered sex offender, was not deterred by his previous involvement with the criminal justice system. This case underlines the urgent need for law enforcement to continue its efforts to protect children," as per the press release. The charges carry potential for severe sentencing: up to 10 years for transferring obscene material to a minor and an additional mandatory sentence for doing so as a registered sex offender.
Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston, James Crowley, weighed in on the agency's decisive intervention, stating, "Anyone willing to sexually exploit children deserves to feel the full force of the law." The FBI's arrest of Fernandes was reported as another step in sheltering a child from further sexual exploitation. The accused identified himself to the victims using multiple Snapchat usernames, including "tazjazz" and "diamondboy24k," according to the complaint filed in White Plains federal court, the U.S. Attorney's Office reported.
Authorities are now seeking the assistance of the public. Anyone with potential encounters involving Fernandes, particularly parents whose children may have communicated with the usernames associated with the accused, is urged to contact the FBI. For those affected, the bureau can be reached at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324). At this stage, the allegations remain just that — allegations, with Fernandes presumed innocent until proven guilty.
