Arrested on internet sex charges

4/19/2011

A 24-year-old Schoharie man was arrested last Tuesday on charges of having sexual contact with an underage girl he met over the Internet.
Steven Palmatier of Grand Street was charged with second-degree rape, second-degree criminal sexual act, and endangering the welfare of a child after he allegedly had sexual contact with an underage girl in Schoharie, said the Loudonville State Police.
Mr. Palmatier was arrested after the Village of Schoharie Police Department began an investigation earlier this month into a report of a 24-year-old man who was attempting to meet young teenage girls on Facebook.
Following his initial investigation, Chief Harold Orelup requested the assistance of the Cobleskill State Police.
Troopers and village police officers moved quickly and interviewed several young girls who had corresponded with “Young Palmy” on Facebook and through cell phone texting, police said.
State Police Senior Investigator William John said numerous girls were interviewed.
Mr. Palmatier was arraigned before Schoharie town Justice Frederick Kennedy and sent to jail in lieu of $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond, police.
Investigator John said the investigation is continuing.
The State Police want to remind parents that they should consistently monitor their children’s use of social networking sites such as Facebook, as this is a common means for sexual predators to initiate conversation with them.
Parents should also remind their children that they should not engage in on-line conversation with a person whose identity is unknown and unconfirmed, police said. Any suspicious activity should be reported immediately to the police.
The State Police are asking the public’s help with anyone who has corresponded with Mr. Palmatier on his Facebook account known as “Young Palmy.” Anyone with information should contact Troopers at 234-9401.