Malta, NY – Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of Preston Purdy, a man from Colorado, following an amateur online sting that posed as an 11‑year‑old, an 8‑year‑old and a 3‑year‑old. The operation, organized by New York State Predator Alert, used a fabricated mother figure to arrange the alleged meeting.
Sting operation and livestream confession
During a livestreamed interview, Purdy admitted he had traveled hundreds of miles to Malta with the intention of having sexual contact with the imagined children. When asked if he would have proceeded if the children had been present, he replied, “I would probably say I would guarantee that some of the sexual things, especially with the eight year old, what had happened.”
Law‑enforcement response
After the conversation, Saratoga County Sheriff’s Department arrested Purdy and charged him with four counts of attempted rape and aggravated sexual abuse. District Attorney Brett Eby said the hour‑long livestream confession is likely admissible evidence and praised the sheriff’s department for continuing the investigation beyond what was posted on social media.
“It’s our belief at this time that it would be admissible evidence,” Eby said. “Obviously, the sheriff’s department did a great job and the investigation didn’t stop with what people have seen on social media. They furthered the investigation.”
Focus on intent
Although no actual minors were involved, prosecutors will focus on Purdy’s intent and the steps he took to facilitate the alleged abuse. Eby highlighted the deliberate actions: “He chose to get on a plane. He chose to get in an Uber. He chose to go to that home. He chose to bring, bring, you know, materials that would be related to sexual conduct with children with him.”
Eby added that while law‑enforcement agencies ideally lead such investigations, his office will handle the prosecution. He described the allegations as among the most extreme he has encountered.
Community reaction
Local residents expressed concern over the disturbing nature of the sting and praised the swift action taken by authorities. MJ Jones, leader of New York State Predator Alert, said the operation was necessary to protect children and prevent potential abuse.
“It’s hard to argue. One of the most evil people that any of us have ever encountered,” Jones said. “But when it got to the point where he started demonstrating what he was planning on doing to the children, I had to step out a couple times.”
The case underscores the ongoing efforts of community‑based groups and law‑enforcement partners to combat child exploitation and safeguard vulnerable youth.
Original reporting: CBS 6 WRGB Albany (local) — read the source article.
