A Queens crossing guard was apprehended this week after attempting to engage in sexual activity with an individual he believed to be a 14-year-old girl. The suspect, identified as Jared Jeridore, 24, was caught in a sting operation conducted by an undercover police officer posing as a teenager. The arrest took place near York Early College Academy in South Jamaica, Queens.
According to a criminal complaint, Jeridore initiated contact with the undercover officer on Instagram on April 18, asking explicit questions and making inappropriate suggestions. The investigation was launched after receiving complaints from minors who had encountered the suspect, who was employed as a crossing guard just a block away from the school.
The undercover officer met Jeridore on March 18, exchanging Instagram handles. In subsequent weeks, the suspect sent sexually explicit messages, including a photo and video of his genitals, while also proposing a meeting at a hotel in Queens for sexual activity. In one message, Jeridore expressed gratitude for being considered the “nicest school crossing guard on the planet,” and in another, he eagerly anticipated their upcoming encounter, referencing the officer’s age.
On Tuesday, when Jeridore arrived at the Best Western Jamaica Inn and knocked on a hotel room door, he was met by law enforcement officers who discovered three condoms in his possession. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that the accused pedophile has been charged with attempted rape, attempted use of a child in a sexual performance, and several other offenses.
In a statement, Katz emphasized the importance of trust between young people and the adults responsible for their safety, condemning Jeridore’s alleged violation of that trust. The NYPD suspended the suspect following his arrest, and he subsequently resigned from his position as a crossing guard. Jeridore’s next court appearance is scheduled for June 7.
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I find this news story deeply disturbing. It's unfortunate that there are individuals in positions of trust, like crossing guards, who abuse their power and prey on vulnerable individuals. I would be interested to hear the author's thoughts on how we can prevent such incidents from happening in the future and ensure the safety of our children.