A Colorado man was arrested in upstate New York after investigators said he traveled there intending to sexually abuse three children, ages 3, 8 and 11.
The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to a disturbance at a home on Manning Road in Malta around 12:15 p.m. Monday. A caller told them that a private sting operation had led 42-year-old Preston G. Purdy, of Boulder, to travel to the home with child sexual abuse material.
Authorities allege Purdy sought to sexually assault the children. He faces four felony counts of attempted first-degree rape and at least one felony count of attempted first-degree aggravated sexual abuse. Investigators also allege he tried to force sexual contact with two children and attempted to insert an object into one child’s rectum, risking injury.
Purdy was arraigned before Malta Town Court Judge Ellwood A. Sloat Jr. and then booked into the Saratoga County Jail.
Sheriff Jeffrey Brown described the allegations as deeply disturbing, saying the case represented “the worst of the worst.”
Eric Arthurs, who said he posed online as a mother offering access to her children, told local media he organized the sting because he had been victimized himself. Arthurs said Purdy could have ended the exchange at any point by blocking the profile or stopping his messages. He also alleged Purdy had expressed an intent to rape and assault the 3-year-old girl, who is autistic.
Investigators said Purdy allegedly bought twist ties, vodka and marijuana gummies after arriving in New York. The items can reportedly be seen in a video Arthurs posted of their interactions.
Saratoga County District Attorney Brett Eby said the video could be admitted as evidence. He also said additional charges may follow over the alleged child sexual abuse material found in Purdy’s possession when he was arrested.
Malta is a town of roughly 17,400 people, about 23 miles north of Albany.
