An East Setauket man was arrested by undercover officers after he showed up to a police sting operation, allegedly intending to meet an underage girl for sex, New York State Police said Monday.
According to investigators, Michael Ripp, 62, had ben chatting online with someone he thought was a 13-year-old girl. Ripp made plans to meet with the girl, “for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct,” a news release said. When Ripp arrived to the predetermined location, police said he was taken into custody.
Officials credited a multi-agency investigation for the bust. The probe, which netted Ripp’s arrest, was conducted by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the State Attorney General’s Office, the State Police Computer Crimes Unit, and State Police criminal investigative units from Troop L on Long Island and Troop G in Latham.
Ripp was charged with attempted dissemination of indecent material to a minor and attempted endangering the welfare of a child. He was arraigned at Albany City Court, where a judge ordered him held without bail, cops said. He is due back in court on Jan. 9.
An investigation is ongoing and police are now asking any minors who have been approached by Ripp to call investigators at 631-727-2727.
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