WHITE PLAINS – A Middletown man has been charged with three counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, each carrying 15 to 30 years in federal prison if convicted.
Jonathan Weiss, 29, was arrested on Monday.
It is alleged that Weiss, also known as “Ian_Jameson,” posing as a minor, communicated with three 13-year-old girls on Snapchat and told them to send sexually explicit photographs.
He then allegedly told one victim that if she did not send more nude pictures to him, he would send the photos she had already sent to others. In response to the threats to send her pictures to others, the girl, blocked Weiss’ online name of Ian_Jameson on Snapchat, but shortly thereafter, people began telling her that they had received her nude images.
Authorities said there may be more victims of this alleged conduct. Anyone with information should contact Homeland Security Investigations at 1-866-DHS-2423 or by completing its online tip form – https://www.ice.gov/tips. Both are staffed around the clock by investigators.
“Jonathan Weiss’ alleged crimes are abhorrent and predatory,” said Manhattan US Attorney Geoffrey Berman.
Assisting in the investigation were Homeland Security Investigations, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office in Orange Park Florida, and the Longview Police Department in Longview, Texas.
The investigation is ongoing.
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