An investigation into the online sexual exploitation of children attending Pine Grove Middle School has been concluded by the New York State Police and the Manlius Police Department. State Police Community Stabilization Unit Investigator JonAnthony Gallo and Manlius Police Officer Brianna Sparks led the investigation, which began after multiple middle school-aged children reported that an unknown person had hacked their Snapchat accounts, stolen naked images of them, and extorted them for additional nude photos.
On April 28 authorities executed a search warrant in Van Buren and identified the suspect as 24-year-old Louis E. Fratangelo Jr. During the search, investigators discovered and seized two illegal AR-style firearms, body armor, child pornography, and illegal fireworks. The New York State Police Computer Crime Unit found thousands of images of child pornography, evidence of narcotics and firearms trafficking, and identified numerous Snapchat accounts not associated with the suspect.
Fratangelo was arrested and charged with nine felony counts, three misdemeanors, and one violation, including criminal possession of a weapon, use of a child in a sexual performance, and rape. He was arraigned and transported to the Onondaga County Justice Center, where he posted a $250,000 bond. State Police believe there may be more victims and encourage concerned parents to contact authorities. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Manlius Police Department, Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office, and the McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center assisted in the investigation.
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