Police: Man Threatened Teen on Social Media to Get Graphic Photos

An adult friends a teen on social media and begins using threats and coercion to get child to send graphic photos. It sounds like something straight out of a parent's nightmare, but New York State Police said it was very much a reality for one Orange County girl.

The Orange County Child Abuse Unit arrested Timothy Ryerson, 21, of Washingtonville on Thursday on charges of use of a child for a sexual performance, coercion and endangering the welfare of a child.

New York State Police said Ryerson used a fake name to befriend an Orange County teen on various social media accounts. After spending a year gaining her friendship, he allegedly threatened to physically harm her family if she didn't show him images of the intimate parts of her body. The girl feared for her family's safety and complied with Ryerson's demands, New York State Police said.

The teen eventually told an adult what had been happening, and the adult contacted the New York State Child Abuse Hotline.

Ryerson and the teen never met in person, New York State Police said.

Ryerson appeared before Judge Stephen Smith in Village of Washingtonville Court and was remanded to Orange County Jail in lieu of $20,000 cash bail or $60,000 bond. An order of protection was issued on behalf of the girl.

Ryerson is due back in court on Wednesday.