Rochester Daycare Worker, Hashim McCullough Charged with attempted Sex with Minor
U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Hashim J. McCullough, 37, of Rochester, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with attempted production of child pornography, and enticement of a minor. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of life, and $250,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa M. Marangola, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on March 7, 2019, an FBI Special Agent working undercover as a 14 year old girl (UC) received a friend request from user “ucdamandatmademerich.” The UC accepted the friend request and the two began communicating.
The UC indicated “just want to let u know up front im only 14 years old.” “ucdamandatmademerich” responded by stating “You are very much welcome baeb,” “Really 14 wow” and “You live in Rochester ny.”
Photo/Vectorportal via wikimedia commons
A review of the “ucdamandatmademerich” profile indicated the user lived in Rochester and worked at a daycare. Subsequent investigation determined “ucdamandatmademerich” is the defendant who works at the YMCA located on Lewis Street in Rochester.
The UC and McCullough continued to communicate on another social media account set up by the UC. On March 7, 2019, the UC received a message from the defendant requesting photos of the UC who sent a photo showing a clothed female. McCullough then asked for naked pictures of the UC. As the communications continued, the defendant discussed having sexual intercourse with the UC. McCullough also sent a photo of a naked male to the UC.
On March 12, 2019, the defendant suggested that he and the UC meet up for sex. “Daddy taking this Thursday off from work to be with you.” The UC responded by stating “Can you do Friday I got a big test I can’t miss.” McCullough then stated “Ok bae.” The UC agreed to meet the defendant in person on March 15, 2019 at an apartment complex in the Town of Brighton. McCullough arrived at the apartment complex this morning to meet with the UC and was immediately arrested by law enforcement officers.
The defendant made an initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate judge Jonathan W. Feldman and was held pending a detention hearing on March 21, 2019, at 9:00 a.m.
Members of the public who have specific information related to this case are urged to contact Bivona Child Advocacy Center at 1-585-935-7800.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Rochester Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
