23-Year-Old Haverstraw Man Has Been Federally Charged For Enticing Young Teen Girls For Sexual Exploitation

Monday, August 5, 2024, 6:30 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

HAVERSTRAW, NY.- Last Wednesday, a 23-year-old Haverstraw, New York, man was taken into custody and jailed after being charged with sexual exploitation and enticement of a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity over a social media platform. 

     According to Damian Williams, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Oscar Lemus, 23, of Haverstraw, New York, was arrested on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, and formally charged with one count of Enticing a Minor to Engage in Unlawful Sexual Activity; and two counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor.

     Following being charged, Haverstraw appeared in U.S. District Court in White Plains, New York, and was ordered detained pending future court proceedings by U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy.

     According to charging documents, from at least on or about August 20, 2023, up to and including April 23, 2024, Lemus, who used the screen identity “lemus.xp,” met a 14-year-old girl on social media and persuaded her to meet him in Rockland County, New York to engage in sexual activity.

     On March 16, 2024, Lemus engaged in sexual activity with a 14-year-old girl in the Bronx, New York, and used his cell phone to video record the sexual encounter. On or about August 20, 2023, Lemus persuaded a 16-year-old girl in Mississippi to engage in sexual activity during a live video chat with Lemus.

     If convicted on all the charges, Lemus could face a potential sentence of 30 years and up to life in federal prison, the final sentencing term will be determined by a judge.

     On Wednesday, in a statement from U.S. Attorney Damian Williams, “This case underlines the urgent need for law enforcement to continue its efforts to protect children from those who prey on them. As today’s arrest shows, we will use every tool available to law enforcement to investigate and prosecute those alleged to have sexually exploited children.”

     Anyone who may have encountered Lemus or whose child may have communicated with Lemus is urged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or 1-800-225-5324.

“The rules of the court require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.”