The Dutchess County Sheriff's Office is recognizing the brave and quick thinking of a Dutchess County bus driver.

Virginia Man Sentenced to 40 Years In Prison After Inappropriate Messaging NY Minor

According to the United State Attorney's Office Eastern District of Virginia, a man was recently sentenced to 40 years in prison after "attempting to coerce children to send child sexual abuse material."

33-year old Andrew Joseph Fernandez, a "married Machinist's Mate in the U.S. Navy" and contacted a victim through TikTok on March 10th, 2024. The court documents show that the victim told Fernandez she was 10 years old.

Fernandez told the victim he was under the age of 13, that his name was Levi and that he "previously attended her school before her moved to another state."

Dutchess County Bus Driver Alerts Authorities of Dangerous Messaging

The United State Attorney's Office refers to the victim as MV1, Minor Victim 1, as they investigated and learned there were several victims.

A few days after Fernandez and MV1's first interaction, a  school bus driver in the Arlington School District in Lagrange, New York, " overheard MV1 describing sexually explicit subjects and alerted the school principal, who contacted MV1’s parent."

Justice.org explains in further detail:

Law enforcement began an investigation and learned that MV1 was actually nine years old. An FBI agent assumed the victim’s identity and continued to engage with Fernandez, who continued to send sexually explicit images, which he directed the victim to delete.

 

Fernandez then "attempted to persuade MV1 to produce CSAM depicting herself by telling her that the images would lead to a lucrative modeling audition."

The bus driver who overheard the conversation and went to the schools principal is now being honored by the FBI.

Arlington School Bus Driver Recognized By The FBI For Bravery

In a statement released to social media, the DC Sheriff's Office explains that Arlington Bus Driver Susan St. Germain overheard students a worrisome conversation between students on her bus.

They write:

The case began after Ms. St. Germain overhead a conversation between students on her bus, and she was recognized for her attentiveness and bravery in bringing that information forward so the perpetrator could be held accountable.

Additionally, Detective Sistarenik was also recognized for his "diligent and dedicated efforts in partnering with the FBI in order to bring the offender to justice."