CARMEL, N.Y. – A Mahopac man has been arrested and charged with public lewdness after allegedly exposing himself to a young female jogger on the Putnam Bike Trail earlier this month.
Carmel Police confirmed Thursday that 20-year-old Nardo Naranjo is facing misdemeanor charges stemming from the disturbing incident.
The Incident
According to police, the victim was jogging near Mt. Hope Road in Mahopac at approximately 11:30 a.m. when she encountered the suspect. Authorities said the man exposed himself before fleeing the scene.
The victim quickly provided a description of the suspect and noted seeing a light gray minivan in the area, which she believed might be connected to the individual.
Police Investigation
Carmel Police launched an investigation led by Sergeant Erin Macom, who credited the victim’s detailed account with helping officers track down the suspect.
“Working with the victim’s description of the suspect and her observation of a possible involved vehicle, a light gray mini-van, Carmel detectives pursued an investigation that included neighborhood canvasses and reviews of local security camera footage,” Macom explained.
Officers canvassed surrounding neighborhoods and examined footage from residential and business security cameras to corroborate the victim’s statements and identify potential leads.
Arrest and Charges
A breakthrough came when Carmel patrol officers spotted a gray Honda Odyssey being driven by Naranjo. The minivan matched the description given by the victim. Officers conducted a traffic stop, and after further investigation, Naranjo was taken into custody.
He was subsequently charged with public lewdness, a misdemeanor offense under New York State law.
Naranjo was arraigned in Carmel Town Court, where a judge released him on his own recognizance. A protective order was also issued to safeguard the victim from any further contact with the defendant.
Community and Law Enforcement Response
Carmel Police Chief Anthony Hoffmann expressed gratitude for the cooperative efforts that led to the arrest. He specifically thanked the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department and the Kent Police Department for their assistance in the case.
“This was a coordinated effort across multiple agencies, and we’re grateful for the victim’s courage in reporting the incident, which was instrumental in moving the investigation forward,” Hoffmann said.
Legal Consequences
In New York State, public lewdness is classified as a misdemeanor, carrying potential penalties of up to one year in county jail and/or fines of as much as $1,000 if convicted. Judges may also impose probation or mandate counseling in cases involving sex-related offenses.
Though the charge is not a felony, it can have long-term consequences for those convicted, including impacts on employment opportunities and criminal records.
Public Safety Concerns
The case has raised concerns among local residents about safety on the Putnam Bike Trail, which is widely used by joggers, walkers, and families. Police have urged the public to remain vigilant, travel in pairs when possible, and report any suspicious activity immediately.
Law enforcement officials also emphasized the importance of community cooperation. The swift identification and arrest of the suspect in this case, they noted, highlights how critical eyewitness accounts and public tips are to successful investigations.
Next Steps
Naranjo is scheduled to return to court at a later date to face the charges. Meanwhile, authorities continue to encourage residents to remain aware of their surroundings and to take precautions when using public trails.
Conclusion
The arrest of Nardo Naranjo underscores both the risks of public lewdness incidents and the effectiveness of coordinated police work. While the legal process will now take its course, the case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance, reporting suspicious behavior, and supporting victims who come forward.
For now, the community awaits the outcome of the court proceedings, hopeful that justice will be served and that the safety of public spaces like the Putnam Bike Trail remains a top priority.
Leave a Reply