David Fernandes III, a registered sex offender, has been arrested on charges of sending obscene material to a minor in Massachusetts. The arrest was announced by Jay Clayton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and James Crowley, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Division of the FBI.
Fernandes was apprehended on May 1 and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy in White Plains federal court on May 2. He remains detained as he faces charges related to transmitting obscenity to an 11-year-old child while being a registered sex offender.
"Allegedly, David Fernandes III, a registered sex offender, was not deterred by his previous involvement with the criminal justice system," said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. "This case underlines the urgent need for law enforcement to continue its efforts to protect children."
FBI Acting Special Agent James Crowley emphasized the seriousness of the charges: "Anyone willing to sexually exploit children deserves to feel the full force of the law."
The complaint filed against Fernandes details that on October 8, 2024, he sent an obscene photo via text message to an 11-year-old using a phone number ending in 4245. Previously convicted in New York state for disseminating indecent material to a minor in March 2019, Fernandes had completed his probation sentence just weeks before this alleged offense.
The investigation began when Victim-1's mother reported finding explicit images and messages on her child's phone. A forensic review revealed over 4000 messages exchanged between Victim-1's phone and the suspect's number from October 4-8, 2024. These communications included sexually explicit content and requests for inappropriate interactions.
Victim-2 also reported communicating with someone identifying as "David" through various platforms like Snapchat and Roblox since September 2024. She provided her friend's contact information so that Fernandes could communicate directly with Victim-1.
Authorities are urging anyone who may have interacted with Fernandes through his known online aliases or whose child may have communicated with him to contact the FBI.
Fernandes is charged with transferring obscene material to a minor and committing this offense while required to register as a sex offender. Each charge carries significant potential prison sentences if convicted.
Jay Clayton praised multiple law enforcement agencies for their collaborative efforts in this investigation, including several FBI divisions and local police departments.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Marcia S. Cohen is leading the prosecution from the Office’s White Plains Division.
It is important to note that these charges are accusations at this stage; Fernandes is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
