HAMPTON BAYS, NY — A “sex predator and fugitive” was arrested in Hamptons Bays Thursday, police said.
According to New York State Police, on May 21, the department’s computer crime unit received a request for assistance from the Duluth Police Department in Georgia to locate a suspect wanted for sex crimes involving a minor.
Oswin M. Guillen Padilla, 41, of Hampton Bays, was wanted by DPD for inappropriate communication with a minor, police said.
The investigation began when the victim’s mother discovered numerous photos and videos involving inappropriate content and messages exchanged between the victim and Padilla, police said.
During DPD’s investigation, it was learned that Padilla resides in Suffolk County; following a brief investigation, NYSP CCU located Padilla’s current residence in Hampton Bays, police said.
On May 22, the NYSP CCU, alongside uniformed troopers, were able to successfully locate Padilla and subsequently interview him in reference to the DPD’s investigation, police said.
While interviewing Padilla, he admitted to using multiple social media accounts including Messenger, WhatsApp, Discord, Telegram, TikTok and Instagram to communicate and intentionally seek out explicit content from minors — even when he knew their age, police said.
Padilla was arrested and charged with four counts of possessing sexual performance by a child less than 16, an E felony, police said.
Padilla was transported to Southampton Town Justice Court to await arraignment on the charges; an arrest warrant from DPD was sent for Padilla to be extradited back into Georgia, police said.
New York State police said they urge parents and guardians to speak with their children about the importance of internet safety. Any suspicious activity or online behavior should be reported immediately to law enforcement.
“We remain committed to keeping the public, especially our youth, through awareness, education and a prompt response,” New York State police said.
