SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The New York State Police have announced the details of a sting operation targeting adults seeking to engage in sexual acts with children.
The state police conducted the operation on Aug. 27 and 28. The operation led to the arrest of eight suspects, including a rabbi, who were allegedly trying to engage in sexual contact with children under the age of 15 years old.
All eight of the suspects were charged with attempted rape. Their names, provided by the state police, are listed below:
Suspects arrested on Aug. 27
Jarod M. Groah, age 42, from Frankfort, NYWilliam D. Sheehan, age 53, from Syracuse, NYJohn L. Dejesus, age 34, from Syracuse, NYPeter B. Schaktman, age 66, from New Hartford, NYXiaoqing Qi, age 37, from Syracuse, NY
Suspects arrested on Aug. 28
Marvin D. Knapp, age 44, from Syracuse, NYWilliam D. Whitfield, age 41, from Seneca Falls, NYKevin M. Lapoint, age 65, from Cicero, NY
The details of Schaktman’s arrest were first reported by CNY Central on Aug. 31.
Rabbi Peter Schaktman, 66, has been suspended by Temple Emanu-El following his arrest for child exploitation. (PHOTO SOURCE: WKTV)
Schaktman is a rabbi with Temple Emanu-El in Utica, N.Y. The temple has since suspended him.
“Temple Emanu-El is shocked and deeply troubled by the serious criminal charges involving Rabbi Peter Schaktman,” the temple said in a statement. “We recognize the sadness, confusion, anger and many unanswered questions this news may create for members of our congregation and the broader community. Our thoughts are with all those who may have experienced harm, and with their loved ones.”
Schaktman is being held at the Onondaga County Justice Center.
The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security assisted in the sting operation.
Anyone who knows anything about the suspect’s alleged crimes, or anyone who believes they may be a victim, is asked to contact the New York State Police at 315-366-6000 or by email at Crimetip@troopers.ny.gov.