PLEASANT VALLEY, N.Y. — A 36-year-old man from Wappinger has been arrested following a disturbing incident in which he allegedly stalked and attempted to make inappropriate contact with an elementary school-aged child. The arrest was announced by the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday.
The suspect, identified as Kurt R. Geisler, was taken into custody on April 30, and now faces multiple charges, including a felony count of stalking.
Deputies Respond to Suspicious Activity Near Child
The investigation began shortly after 7:00 p.m., when deputies were dispatched to Pleasant Valley following a report of suspicious circumstances involving an adult male and a young child.
According to the sheriff’s office, witnesses reported seeing a man approach a child in a manner that raised concern. Law enforcement swiftly responded and initiated an investigation into the encounter.
During their inquiry, deputies discovered that the man, later identified as Geisler, had allegedly followed the child, made unwanted advances, and attempted to give them gifts and written notes that were considered inappropriate.
Charges Filed: Stalking and Endangering the Welfare of a Child
Following the investigation, Geisler was arrested and charged with:
- Stalking in the Second Degree – a Class E felony in New York State, applied when a person is accused of repeatedly following or contacting another individual in a way that causes fear or emotional distress.
- Endangering the Welfare of a Child – a Class A misdemeanor, applied when someone knowingly acts in a manner likely to harm a child’s physical, mental, or moral well-being.
The nature of the alleged behavior, particularly toward a minor, prompted serious concern from both investigators and the community.
Suspect Arraigned and Held on Bail
After being processed, Geisler was arraigned in Pleasant Valley Town Court. The presiding judge ordered that he be held at the Dutchess County Justice and Transition Center on $1,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond.
At this time, it is not known whether the suspect has retained legal counsel. A preliminary court hearing is expected to be scheduled in the coming days.
Sheriff’s Office Requests Public Assistance
The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation into the incident and has urged the public to come forward with any information that may be relevant to this case—or similar encounters involving the suspect.
“If anyone has had a similar experience or has additional information about this individual, we strongly encourage them to reach out to us,” a sheriff’s office representative stated.
Members of the public can contact Detective Aponte directly at:
- Phone: 845-486-3867
- Email: [email protected]
Alternatively, anonymous tips can be submitted through:
- Sheriff’s Office Tip Line: 845-605-2583
- Email: [email protected]
Officials emphasized that all tips and information will be kept confidential, and that protecting the privacy and safety of the child involved remains their highest priority.
Protecting the Identity of the Victim
In accordance with state law and departmental policy, the sheriff’s office confirmed that no further details about the child will be released to the public, including their identity or specific age. The goal, they said, is to protect the young victim from further emotional harm and potential exposure.
“The wellbeing and safety of the child is our foremost concern,” the sheriff’s office said in a written statement. “This is an ongoing investigation, and out of respect for the child and their family, no additional information will be released at this time.”
Community Encouraged to Remain Vigilant
This incident has understandably caused alarm in the Pleasant Valley and Wappinger communities, where families are now being urged to maintain open communication with their children about personal safety and reporting unusual behavior.
Law enforcement officials also recommend that parents and guardians remind children never to engage with strangers or accept unsolicited gifts, no matter how innocent they may seem.
Ongoing Legal Process
As the investigation continues, Geisler remains in custody. Prosecutors are expected to review the case for potential additional charges, depending on the outcome of further interviews and forensic analysis.
The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office will release updates as new information becomes available and encourages the public to stay informed and involved.
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