Federal prosecutors say a 27-year-old Poughkeepsie man was arrested after he showed up to meet what he believed was a 13-year-old for sex. The suspect, identified as Gregory Graff, was taken into federal custody and brought before a judge in White Plains federal court on Wednesday.
What Prosecutors Say Happened
According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of New York, an undercover New York State Police investigator posed as a 13-year-old named "Sammi" on a social app and exchanged messages with Graff on January 21 and 22.
Prosecutors say Graff allegedly requested sexually explicit photos, described sex acts, and arranged a meet-up with the undercover account in Orange County.
Arrest In Wallkill And Local Charges
Authorities say Graff drove to the agreed-upon location in the Town of Wallkill on January 22, where New York State Police arrested him when he arrived.
Prosecutors report that Graff was subsequently charged in the Town of Wallkill with attempted rape in the second degree, attempted act in a manner to injure a child less than 17, and disseminating indecent material to minors.
Federal Prosecutors Weigh In
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton called Graff "every parent's nightmare" and said federal prosecutors would use "every tool available" to punish those who exploit children, according to a statement posted by U.S. Attorney SDNY on X.
The FBI’s New York Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force and the New York State Police were among the agencies credited with working the case, which prosecutors say was brought to the U.S. Attorney's Office White Plains Division.
Federal Charge And Possible Prison Time
Graff is charged with attempted coercion and enticement of a minor under 18 U.S.C. § 2422(b). The statute carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life.
Any final sentence would be decided by a judge, who would consider the federal sentencing guidelines along with other statutory factors.
What Happens Next
Prosecutors say Graff was presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew E. Krause in White Plains federal court and detained pending further proceedings. The case is being handled by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, White Plains Division.
Investigators are asking anyone with information to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
