A New York City police officer is facing charges for allegedly soliciting pornographic photos and videos from at least 46 underage teens. Authorities said that 26-year-old Carmine Simpson allegedly used photo filters to pose a 17-year-old on social media and convinced his victims to send him explicit photos and videos of themselves. His victims were between the ages of 13 and 17.
"As a law enforcement officer, Mr. Simpson swore an oath to protect the public he served. We allege he chose instead to manipulate some of our society's most vulnerable citizens when he repeatedly enticed children to create sexually explicit videos and photos," FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge William Sweeney said.
Prosecutors said that Simpson would ask his victims to write his name on their body in marker and harm themselves. In one instance, he asked a 15-year-old girl to choke herself with a belt.
"Instead of protecting the community as a sworn police officer, the defendant has preyed upon and sexually exploited the most vulnerable members," stated Acting United States Attorney Seth DuCharme. "The protection of innocent children is a priority for the Department of Justice, and this Office will continue to make every effort to ensure that those who contribute to the victimization of children will be brought to justice."
Carmine was taken into federal custody and charged with the production of child pornography. He has been suspended without pay by the NYPD.
"The allegations in this case are reprehensible," NYPD spokeswoman Annette Shelton said in a statement. "The NYPD has zero-tolerance for any officer who would endanger children or betray his oath in such a manner."
Carmine faces up to 15 years in prison if he is convicted.
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