Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and William F. Sweeney Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced the arrest of EDUARDO TALENTINO.  TALENTINO is charged with transporting a minor from Monroe, New York, to West Virginia with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity with the minor.  TALENTINO, who was convicted of Rape of a Child in 1997 in Massachusetts, is also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.  TALENTINO was arrested yesterday and was presented today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith McCarthy in White Plains federal court and was detained without bail.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “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 who allegedly sexually exploit children.”

FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. said:  “As alleged, Talentino sexually abused a minor child, one who had been entrusted to his care, in the most horrifying way imaginable.  While today's arrest certainly isn't his first run-in with the law, it is the first time he's been charged with a federal crime – one that carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. There's no excuse for this type of behavior.  The FBI is asking victims in this and all cases to come forward with information that could help put child sexual predators behind bars.  The number to call is 1-800-CALL-FBI.”

According to the Complaint[1] unsealed today in White Plains federal court:

From in or about June 22, 2018, to June 25, 2018, TALENTINO transported a 16-year-old minor (“Victim-1”) from Monroe, New York, to West Virginia, where he engaged, and attempted to engage, in illegal sexual activity with Victim-1.

From in or about August 2018 up to and including in or about February 2019, TALENTINO possessed a Colt Pocket Positive .32 caliber revolver at his home in Monroe, New York.

On or about February 8, 2019, TALENTINO was arrested and charged in Orange County with unauthorized practice of a profession.

In or about August 1997, TALENTINO was convicted in Massachusetts of Rape of a Child, a felony, and sentenced to a prison term of four years and one day.

If you have information to report, please contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation at 800-CALL-FBI.

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TALENTINO, 54, of Monroe, New York, is charged with one count of transporting a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, which carries a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison.  The statutory minimum and maximum sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Berman praised the efforts of the FBI, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, the New York State Police, the Orange County Child Abuse Unit, Orange County Child Protective Services, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office in connection with this investigation.  Mr. Berman also thanked the Sullivan County District Attorney’s Office for their assistance.  He added that the investigation is ongoing.

The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division.  Assistant United States Attorney Marcia S. Cohen is in charge of the prosecution.  





[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.