A coordinated law enforcement operation in Cayuga County led to the arrests of two men accused of attempting to engage in sexual acts with children under 15.
Troy S. Bullock of Auburn and Jeremy L. Soutar of Weedsport, both 45, were charged with Attempted Rape in the 2nd Degree after a joint investigation identified them as suspects.
The sting operation, which ran from June 18 through June 20, involved the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, the Finger Lakes Drug Task Force, the Cayuga County District Attorney’s Office, and the FBI. Investigators targeted individuals who sought sexual contact with minors.
Soutar, who is already a level 3 sex offender, was also charged with Attempted Disseminating Indecent Material to Minors in the 1st Degree as a Sexually Motivated Felony. He remains in custody at the Cayuga County Jail without bail. Authorities noted he is currently on parole after a 2014 conviction for first-degree course of sexual conduct against a child.
Bullock was arraigned in CAP court and released on $2,500 bail.
Sheriff Brian Schenck praised the cooperation among agencies and emphasized continued vigilance. “Those who intentionally victimize children, especially those who are released on parole after previously doing so, should not be on our streets,” Schenck stated. “We will continue to aggressively work to identify child predators in our community and hold them accountable.”
Authorities are urging the public to come forward with any information. Tips can be submitted anonymously through the Cayuga County Sheriff’s SaferWatch App or by contacting the Criminal Investigations Division at 315-253-1132.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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