OSWEGO, NY – At approximately 6 p.m. on March 10, members of the Oswego City Police Department Criminal Investigation Division, with assistance from the Patrol Division, conducted an undercover operation which resulted in the arrest of John J. Leavens, 22, of 19 E. VanBuren St., Oswego.
On March 7, at approximately 8:52 a.m., it was reported to the Oswego City Police Department that an unknown person, who had identified themselves only as a 22-year-old man named John, had been communicating via instant messaging and text messaging with a 14-year-old boy.
The messages were sexual in nature and the suspect was clearly attempting to persuade the victim into meeting him for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity, according to the police.
The victim brought the messages to the attention of his mother, who subsequently reported the matter to police.
The Criminal Investigations Division immediately began investigating.
Undercover investigators, posing as the victim, began communicating with the suspect via text and instant messaging.
During the course of the investigation, it became evident that the suspect was communicating with other young boys as well, apparently for the same purpose.
The suspect repeatedly requested to meet in person with the victim.
An undercover officer, disguised as the victim, was sent under surveillance to the proposed meeting location, near the suspect’s residence.
The suspect approached the undercover officer and upon becoming suspicious that police may be involved, attempted to flee the scene.
However, he was successfully apprehended and taken into custody.
Leavens was charged with two counts of attempted dissemination of indecent material to minors, a class D felony and one count each of second-degree attempted criminal sex act, also a class D felony and endangering the welfare of a child, a class A misdemeanor.
Leavens was arraigned in Oswego City Court and remanded to the Oswego County Correctional Facility in lieu of $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 bail bond.
He is to return to on March 22 at 9:30 a.m.
Subsequent to his arrest, a search warrant was issued for Leaven’s residence.
Items seized include three computers.
Further charges are possible, pending the outcome of a forensic examination of the evidence.
In the interest of public safety, Oswego Police are releasing the screen name used by the suspect online as “Blade Rapture.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 315-342-8201.
Individuals wishing to remain anonymous may also contact the Oswego City Police Departments tip-line at 315-342-8131 or email [email protected]
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