Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Jared Jeridore, a school crossing guard in Jamaica, was charged with multiple crimes, including attempted use of a child in a sexual performance and attempted rape, after an undercover investigation. Jeridore is accused of attempting to lure an NYPD officer, whom he believed to be 14 years old, into a sexual act.
District Attorney Katz expressed the importance of trust between young people and adults charged with their safety, emphasizing the severity of the charges and recognizing the collaborative efforts of the NYPD in this case.
During the arraignment, Jeridore, 24, of Sutphin Boulevard in Jamaica, faced a seven-count criminal complaint, including charges of attempted rape, attempted dissemination of indecent material to minors, official misconduct, and attempted endangering the welfare of a child. If convicted, Jeridore could face up to seven years in prison. Judge Julieta Lozano presided over the arraignment and set a return court date for Jeridore on June 7.
The charges stem from an undercover operation initiated following complaints about Jeridore’s alleged misconduct near a Jamaica school. On various dates in March and April of 2024, undercover officers engaged with Jeridore, where he allegedly made inappropriate advances, exchanged messages, and even suggested engaging in sexual acts. Jeridore was arrested at a hotel following a planned meeting with an undercover officer.
The investigation, which included assistance from the NYPD Internal Affairs Bureau, resulted in the prosecution of Jeridore. Assistant District Attorney Vinnette K. Campbell is handling the case under the supervision of District Attorney Katz.