Posted on: July 22, 2026 01:00 PM

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Five arrested during multiagency Internet crimes against children operation in Rockland county

The New York State Police coordinated a multiagency Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) operation that resulted in the arrest of five individuals accused of attempting to sexually exploit children online. The investigation was conducted in partnership with the Rockland County Sheriff's Office, the Town of Ramapo Police Department, the Rockland County Intelligence Center, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Rye Safe Streets Task Force, and the New York State Intelligence Center.

 

The proactive operation, conducted over several days in June, utilized undercover investigators and advanced cyber investigative techniques to identify individuals who used online platforms to communicate with what they believed were minors for the purpose of arranging in-person meetings to engage in illegal sexual activity.

As a result of the operation, five individuals were arrested on various felony and misdemeanor charges. Investigators continue to examine digital evidence and other information to determine whether additional victims or criminal offenses exist.

New York State Police Troop F Bureau of Criminal Investigation Captain Brad Natalizio said,

"The individuals arrested in this operation believed they were communicating with children and intended to exploit them. Through proactive investigations and strong partnerships with our local, county, state, and federal law enforcement partners, we are identifying offenders before they can harm a child. Protecting children remains one of our highest priorities."

Rockland County Sheriff Louis Falco III said,

 "This operation reflects our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community. Through the coordinated efforts of our local, county, state, and federal law enforcement partners, we successfully identified and apprehended individuals seeking to exploit children online. The dedication and teamwork displayed throughout this investigation demonstrate our shared mission to ensure those who target children are held fully accountable. We will continue to use every resource available to prevent these crimes and safeguard our community."

Town of Ramapo Police Department Chief Dan Hyman said,

"This operation was a testament to the strength of interagency cooperation that exists here in Rockland County. Our local, county, state, and federal law enforcement partners worked together with one shared objective, protecting our children from those who seek to exploit or prey upon them. Crimes against children will not be tolerated in our community."

Oleksandr Vershok, 36, Brooklyn, New York

Charged with:

Attempted Rape in the Second Degree (Class E Felony)

Attempted Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Class B Misdemeanor)

Anthony J. Kamycki, 36, Ronkonkoma, New York

Charged with:

Attempted Rape in the Second Degree (Class E Felony)

Attempted Disseminating Indecent Materials to a Minor in the First Degree (Class E Felony)

Attempted Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Class B Misdemeanor)

Ritchy D. Mercure, 24, Spring Valley, New York

 

Charged with:

Attempted Rape in the Second Degree (Class E Felony)

Attempted Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Class B Misdemeanor)

Alex Garrett, 26, Secaucus, New Jersey

Charged with:

Two Counts of Attempted Rape in the Second Degree (Class E Felony)

Attempted Unlawful Dealing with a Child in the First Degree (Class B Misdemeanor)

Attempted Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Class B Misdemeanor)

Bryan J. Wylong, 24, Poughkeepsie, New York

Charged with:

Three Counts of Attempted Rape in the Second Degree (Class E Felony)

Attempted Disseminating Indecent Materials to a Minor in the First Degree (Class E Felony)

Attempted Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Class B Misdemeanor)

From NYSP