Carmine Simpson, Sexually Exploiting Minors Online, New York 2023

Central Islip, NY – A former New York City Police Department (NYPD) officer has been sentenced to 23 years in prison for his role in a disturbing scheme that saw him exploit and abuse minors online. Carmine Simpson, a 30-year-old from Holbrook, New York, pleaded guilty to one count of sexually exploiting a minor in March 2023.

According to court documents, Simpson’s crimes occurred in 2020, while he was still an active NYPD officer. During this time, he used social media platforms to target and manipulate vulnerable children, aged as young as 13, into sending him nude images and videos. He would often use filters to make himself appear younger, posing as a 17-year-old boy, and even instructed his victims to physically harm themselves and write degrading phrases on their bodies.

The investigation into Simpson’s activities began in December 2020, after the mother of a 13-year-old victim discovered chat communications between her child and the defendant on her computer. Those messages revealed Simpson’s sinister intentions, including asking the child to take nude photos and perform explicit acts.

As part of his sentence, Simpson must also register as a sex offender. His crimes are a stark reminder of the danger that lurks online, and the need for increased vigilance and protection for our most vulnerable citizens.

Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse, played a crucial role in bringing Simpson to justice. The program marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children online.

The case against Simpson is being handled by the Criminal Section of the Office’s Long Island Division, with Assistant United States Attorney Megan E. Farrell leading the prosecution.

The sentencing of Carmine Simpson serves as a warning to those who would seek to exploit and abuse minors online. The Grimy Times will continue to report on crimes like these, shedding light on the dark corners of the internet and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.

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