Bethlehem Police arrested Walter B. McGoldrick, 30, of Ravena, on Thursday, Feb. 18, for allegedly attempting to lure a child through social media.
Investigations began after an undercover Bethlehem Police detective masquerading as a 15-year-old girl reportedly received multiple messages through a social media site from McGoldrick, and the detective arranged to meet with McGoldrick for what he believed was for the purpose of having sex, said police.
When McGoldrick arrived at the arranged time and place in the Town of Coeymans, he was arrested by multiple members of the Bethlehem Police Department, with assistance from Coeymans Police.
Further, investigations have determined that McGoldrick had been sending multiple private messages to young females through Facebook. Anyone who believes they may have been contacted my McGoldrick or who did have contact with him is asked to contact the Bethlehem Police Department at (518)439-9973.
Bethlehem Police would like to emphasize that cases like this are a good reminder of the need for parental oversight with the ever-growing social media network.
McGoldrick was charged with felony attempted disseminating indecent material to minors in the first degree and misdemeanor attempted endangering the welfare of a child. He was arraigned in Bethlehem Town Court and remanded to Albany County Jail without bail.
McGoldrick is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, Feb. 22.
