Suffolk Reporter

Dakota Rose, a 25-year-old resident of East Northport, has pleaded guilty to charges related to the sexual abuse of a toddler and the creation and dissemination of child pornography. Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced that Rose admitted guilt to Use of a Child in a Sexual Performance and Sexual Abuse in the First Degree.

District Attorney Tierney expressed gratitude for the tip received by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), stating, "This defendant sexually exploited a young child and thought he could get away with it." The information provided led to an investigation by the Suffolk County Police Department Digital Forensics Unit.

On February 17, 2024, following the tip-off from NCMEC regarding child sexual abuse material shared via social media from East Northport, authorities traced it back to Rose's residence. A search warrant executed on March 12, 2024, resulted in the seizure of multiple electronic devices. Investigators identified both Rose and the victimized toddler in video evidence found on these devices.

Further examination uncovered two more videos of child pornography on Rose's phone. It was revealed that Rose had exchanged these videos with others through social media and text messages, sometimes receiving money in return.

Rose entered his guilty plea before Acting Supreme Court Justice Karen M. Wilutis on September 30, 2024. He is expected to receive a sentence ranging from seven to fifteen years in prison with ten years of post-release supervision. Scott Zerner is representing him as his attorney.

Assistant District Attorney Tara Laterza from the Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Bureau is prosecuting this case. Detective Gregory Pranzo from the Suffolk County Police Department Digital Forensics Unit conducted the investigation leading to Rose's arrest.

Rose is scheduled to return to court on November 14, 2024.