A Greenport man’s planned meetup at a Suffolk County entertainment hotspot ended in an arrest Monday, after investigators say he tried to connect with someone he believed was a 13-year-old and sent an indecent photo.
According to Suffolk County investigators, the encounter was allegedly arranged over social media and set for May 26 at the Topgolf location in Holtsville. Authorities say that when they later searched the suspect’s phone, they discovered child pornography and filed multiple charges.
As reported by News12 Bronx, detectives with the Suffolk County Police Department’s Digital Forensic Unit began their probe after a report that the suspect, identified as Corey Hooks, had arranged to meet the minor at Topgolf. News12 says Hooks is charged with promoting a sexual performance by a child, possessing a sexual performance by a child, attempted endangering the welfare of a child and attempted dissemination of indecent material. He is expected to be arraigned Tuesday.
How Detectives Built The Case
The Suffolk County Police Department’s Digital Forensics Unit regularly takes the lead on investigations involving alleged online enticement and child exploitation by combing through seized phones and other electronic devices. The department’s own press releases describe cases that often start with tips from the Internet Crimes Against Children hotline, followed by search warrants used to recover digital evidence, a pattern that has appeared in other recent Suffolk County cases, per Suffolk County Police.
Alleged Meetup Site
Police say the planned meeting was set for Topgolf in Holtsville, a multi-level entertainment venue that features climate-controlled hitting bays along with food and drink service. The company’s official site lists the Holtsville facility and outlines age-supervision policies for minors, a detail that stands out given the nature of the allegations. Topgolf Holtsville.
What Happens Next
Hooks is expected to be arraigned Tuesday in First District Court in Central Islip, where prosecutors will decide whether to move forward with formal indictments, according to News12 Bronx.
Suffolk County Police emphasize in their public statements that “a criminal charge is an accusation” and urge anyone with information related to such cases to contact the department’s Digital Forensics Unit at 631-852-6572, per Suffolk County Police.
