A tip from the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program led Suffolk County police to arrest a Lindenhurst man on child pornography charges Friday morning, authorities said.
According to Suffolk County Police, Digital Forensic Unit detectives executed a search warrant at a Sunrise Avenue residence in Lindenhurst at approximately 7:34 a.m. on May 8 after receiving information through the ICAC Task Force Program.
During the search, detectives arrested 21-year-old Joseph Stangelo and seized multiple cell phones from the home, police said.
Stangelo was charged with Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child and Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child.
The arrest took place at a residence located at 54 Sunrise Ave. in Lindenhurst.
Police said Stangelo is scheduled to be arraigned Friday at First District Court in Central Islip.
Suffolk County Police said the department continues to investigate tips involving internet crimes against children and encouraged anyone with information related to these types of offenses to contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children hotline at 1-800-843-5678 or Suffolk County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS. Authorities said all calls will remain confidential.
Possessing and promoting sexual performances involving children are felony-level offenses under New York State law and can carry significant prison time if a defendant is convicted.
A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
