COLONIE — Police arrested a 48-year-old Ticonderoga man earlier this month for trying to sexually engage who he thought was a 13-year-old girl.
Instead of a teenage girl, though, John West was sending explicit texts to an undercover investigator with the Computer Crimes Unit.
And when he went to a Central Avenue business on Friday, Feb. 1, at around 4 p.m. to meet the 13-year-old, he was instead greeted with handcuffs.
Digital media devices were seized from West’s vehicle and residence and have been turned over to the State Police Computer Crime Unit for forensic examination.
There are no known real victims of West and, at this point in time there is no reason to believe he communicated with any 13-year-old girl.
The investigation did not reveal any known access to children, of a troubling nature, in his personal or work life, Winn said. West is the owner of Quality Automotive in Ticonderoga.
However, due to the nature of the charges anyone who believes that they may be a victim or has information is urged to contact the Colonie Police at 518-783-2744.
West was charged with the felonies of attempted rape and attempted dissemination of indecent material to a minor.
He was sent to the Albany County jail pending arraignment.
