State Police arrest Kingston man after a lengthy investigation into multiple child endangerment allegations

New York – A months-long investigation conducted by New York State Police has led to the arrest of a Kingston man accused of engaging in conduct that authorities say placed a young child at risk. The arrest, announced by the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) at Ellenville, marks a significant step in a case that investigators have been working on since late 2023.

According to state police, the arrest took place on November 13, 2025, following a detailed inquiry into allegations involving 30-year-old Joseph J. Guzman of Kingston, N.Y. Investigators report that the case centers on communication Guzman is accused of initiating with an 11-year-old girl through an online application more than a year earlier. The investigation began in October 2023, after information surfaced that prompted law enforcement to review the nature of the contact.

Authorities say their findings revealed inappropriate interactions that raised immediate concern. Investigators reported that Guzman “initiated an inappropriate conversation” with the young victim through the app. As the case developed, police determined that Guzman had also “disseminated unwanted indecent material of himself and another individual to the victim” and engaged in behavior they described as harassing, causing the child “undue stress.” No further details regarding the material or the app were released.

Read also: Tiger love leads engineering alumni toward a bold new chapter as they sail confidently into retirement

The charges filed against Guzman reflect the seriousness of the allegations. State police announced he is charged with Disseminating Indecent Material to Minors in the 1st Degree, a class D felony, along with Aggravated Harassment 2nd Degree and Endangering the Welfare of a Child, both class A misdemeanors. Together, the charges reflect a combination of criminal actions related to communication, harassment, and placing a child in a harmful situation.

Guzman was taken into custody and processed at the State Police Ellenville barracks. Officials noted that the arrest took place “without incident,” and that Guzman cooperated as he was transported for processing. Afterward, he was taken to the Ulster County Court Centralized Arraignment Part, where a judge ordered his release on his own recognizance pending further court proceedings.

Court records indicate that Guzman is scheduled to reappear in the Town of Wawarsing Court on November 14, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. The upcoming appearance is expected to move the case into its next phase, allowing prosecutors and defense attorneys to review the charges and determine how to proceed.

Read also: WITR welcomes President Sanders for a live conversation that highlights his early impressions of the RIT community

State police have not released additional information about the victim, citing privacy protections and the sensitive nature of the case. Investigators say their work reflects a continued effort to respond to reports of misconduct involving minors and to address situations in which online communication leads to potential harm.

As the case heads toward its next court date, authorities emphasize that the investigation remains active, and further updates may be released as proceedings continue.