Greenwood Lake man arrested, accused of child pornography possession
Authorities say 35-year-old Robert Whytock was arrested on Aug. 1 following a joint probe.
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A Greenwood Lake man is facing charges after a monthslong investigation by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security into the possession of child sexual abuse material.
Authorities say 35-year-old Robert Whytock was arrested on Aug. 1 following a joint probe that began in January with a tip through the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) database.
Investigators say that tip led them to Whytock’s home in the Town of Warwick, where illegal downloads were allegedly traced.
“Surprising to hear that,” said Pat Murphy, a Greenwood Lake neighbor, reacting to news of the arrest.
In March, investigators and HSI agents executed a court-authorized search warrant.
With help from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office’s electronic storage detecting K-9 named Rick, investigators say they located multiple devices containing child sex abuse images and videos.
Whytock is charged with 10 counts of possessing a sexual performance by a child under the age of 16. He has been released with an appearance ticket to return to the Town of Warwick Court at a later date.
“I think it’s sad. It’s crazy. It’s the world we are living in right now,” Murphy added.
Another neighbor, who asked not to be identified, told News 12, “I wouldn’t think that of him.”
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office called the case disturbing and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting vulnerable members of the community.
“This disturbing behavior will never be taken lightly in Orange County,” said Sheriff Paul Arteta in a statement. “These cases are particularly challenging, especially when they target our most vulnerable populations.”
News 12 attempted to reach Whytock for comment, but no one answered at the phone number on file.
